Story by Providence Maraneli
ZANU PF has intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse in rural communities through economic empowerment programmes, including the distribution of gold hammer mills to women’s groups in Makwe, Gwanda.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to address the underlying causes of drug and substance abuse by creating sustainable livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for women and young people.
More than 10 gold hammer mills have been distributed to women’s groups in Makwe, a gold-rich area where mining remains a key source of income for many households.
Beneficiaries welcomed the programme, saying it will improve household incomes while creating employment opportunities for young people who might otherwise be exposed to drug and substance abuse.
“We are grateful to ubaba UNcube, we are now empowered. This will ensure that we create employment for our children and move them from drug abuse,” a beneficiary said.
Councillor for Makwe, Cde Zwelithini Nyathi, urged young people to shun drug and substance abuse, warning that it destroys their future prospects.
The empowerment programme is being championed by ZANU PF’s 2023 Gwanda North constituency candidate, Cde Lungisani Ncube and is expected to enhance livelihoods across the area.
“We are today launching with 10 hammer mills for women in Makwe, but we are also giving 20 hammer mills to women in Sizeze and Sibhula. We want to ensure that we leave no one behind, we want to fight the drug scourge through employment creation.”
ZANU PF Matabeleland South Women’s League Provincial Chairperson, Cde Sindisiwe Nleya said the initiative supports broader empowerment and development goals.
“We are pursuing Vision 2030 and this will ensure that our women are empowered. We are happy with this kind of gesture,” ZANU PF Matabeleland South Women’s League Provincial Chairperson, Cde Sindisiwe Nleya added.
The programme follows a series of anti-drug and substance abuse campaigns in the area, including a miners’ march and a football tournament aimed at raising awareness among young people about the dangers associated with drug use.
