Story by Tichaona Kurewa
COMMUNITY radio stations are playing an increasingly important role in Zimbabwe’s fight against drug and substance abuse, with Matabeleland North provincial leaders calling for every district to have its own broadcaster to strengthen public awareness campaigns.
The role of community media featured prominently during the Matabeleland North Provincial Development Committee’s second-quarter meeting held in Lupane on Friday, where officials reviewed progress in combating drug and substance abuse.
Chairperson of the Social Development Committee in Matabeleland North, Mr Sicelo Nyathi, said community radio stations have become vital platforms for educating communities on the dangers of drug abuse.
“We continue to appeal to the Ministry of Information for every district to have its own community radio station. We are grateful that Hwange, Binga and Lupane already have community radio stations, but districts such as Tsholotsho and Nkayi still do not. Having community radio stations in every district will enable us to address local issues more effectively and strengthen awareness campaigns within our communities,” he said.
The meeting also heard that provincial and district drug and substance abuse task forces have completed training and are expected to intensify awareness campaigns across their respective areas.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said it continues to strengthen enforcement measures under the Drug Supply Reduction Pillar through public awareness campaigns and targeted operations.
“We are working flat out to actualise the Drug Supply Reduction Pillar using various strategies, including crime awareness campaigns in schools and at social gatherings across the province, highlighting the harmful effects of drug and substance misuse. We are also exploiting informer networks to conduct targeted raids, which have resulted in a number of arrests,” said ZRP Matabeleland North spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda.
Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through a multi-sectoral approach that brings together Government, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, schools, religious groups and communities. The strategy combines prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community reintegration to address the growing public health and social challenge.
