Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
There is a consensus within government that young people must be empowered through participation in various sectors of the economy to reduce the risk of engaging in drug and substance abuse.
Government has been clear on what needs to be done in the fight to curb drug and substance abuse.
Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, stressed the need for youths to shun drug and substance abuse as the future of the country is in their hands.
“You young people, look at yourselves. You are tomorrow’s leaders, say no to drugs and substance abuse, how can you be tomorrow’s leaders if you don’t?” he asked.
For Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Professor Paul Mavhima, who chairs the inter-ministerial taskforce on drug and substance abuse, the scourge is derailing the attainment of vision 2030, through nurturing the culture of idleness.
“We are saying the nation is built by its own people, but let me remind the youths that it is not built by drunkards.”
Other ministers noted the need for continuous efforts towards youth empowerment as a way of fighting the scourge.
As government intensifies the fight against drug and substance abuse, the inter-ministerial taskforce is simply reminding young people to realise that their future will be determined by how they conduct themselves today.
