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Drug abuse a threat to national security

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
THE rampant abuse of drugs and other illicit substances by Zimbabwe’s young people is not only destroying the nation’s social fabric but poses a significant threat to the country’s security, a minister has said.
Speaking during the Prisons and Correctional Service Day commemorations held at White City Stadium recently, Minister of State for Bulawayo Affairs Judith Ncube said drug and substance abuse was putting the security of the country at risk.


The commemorations were held under the theme, “Rehabilitation — A Collective Responsibility.”
“The nation is grappling with the menace of drug and substance abuse. This has seen our people, mostly youths being exposed to the negative impact of the phenomenon through physical and mental health challenges. Drug and substance abuse has also destroyed the social fabric by causing strained relationships in families and communities. I therefore call upon everyone to self-introspect on this issue. We all have a role in stopping this vice which is a threat to national security,” she said.
Minister Ncube emphasised that the rehabilitation of prisoners was not solely the responsibility of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), as the entire community had a part to play in the process.

“Today is the day where we reiterate our call for increased stakeholder engagement to achieve a comprehensive offender transformation. This year’s Prisons and Correctional Service Day Commemorations mark the sixteenth anniversary of modern prisons and correctional management systems which emphasise rehabilitation and reintegration. This is a system that pursues the reform agenda in our correctional management system. This is an agenda that contributes not only to the advancement of a crime-free nation but also to an environment conducive to socio-economic development. This year’s commemorations are happening when the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service is on a journey to focus on a change in perspective from a punitive and retributive approach to a more corrective, restorative, and reformative approach. The current trajectory requires that the community takes an active role in complementing the efforts of ZPCS especially in the areas of rehabilitation and reintegration,” she said.


Minister Ncube also praised ZPCS for its community work, highlighting how they equip inmates with skills for life after prison.
“I am excited to learn that ZPCS also engages in Corporate Social Responsibility where they refurbished some structures at Nketa High School here in Bulawayo. This is commendable, and please keep it up; however, may I urge ZPCS to spread wide and assist other needy communities. Moreover, I also had an opportunity to witness some exhibitions being showcased by prison stations from within the province. These are demonstrations of creativity, and I believe such creativity in artefacts and livelihood projects will go a long way in empowering inmates,” she said.


The minister stated that once rehabilitated, inmates also have a key role to play in the country’s goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“May I also call upon those who would have gone through the rehabilitation process to live as law-abiding and productive citizens. You also have the duty to contribute to the attainment of the national vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2030,” she said.
ZPCS Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Mkhulunyelwa Ngwenya said community and stakeholder engagement were crucial in creating a suitable environment for the rehabilitation of prisoners.


“This commemoration provides an opportunity for society to witness the efforts of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service in transforming the lives of our citizens housed within our prison and correctional institutions. It also serves to encourage participation by all. Our drive for correctional excellence is supported by Heather Ann Thompson, who says, ‘The community plays a crucial role in rehabilitation; when communities are engaged, former prisoners are more likely to succeed in their reintegration.”
“This insight encourages community and stakeholder engagement. It also underscores the fact that imprisonment without reintegration can adversely affect inmates, which may lead to severe recidivism and increased social, emotional, and economic costs to communities.”

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