Zimbabwe’s Youth Rise in Massive Anti-Drug Protest

Harare, Zimbabwe – More than 5,000 young Zimbabweans are set to march through the streets of Harare today in an unprecedented demonstration against drug abuse and crime, as the nation grapples with a devastating substance abuse epidemic that has reached crisis proportions.

The march, organized by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training in partnership with the Zimbabwe Youth Council, will proceed from the iconic Mbuya Nehanda Statue on Samora Machel Avenue through Gamal Abdel Nasser Avenue (formerly Rotten Row) to Mbare township. The event carries the powerful theme “Fuel Youth: Ignite the Future — As We Strive Towards a Crime-Free Zimbabwe”.

First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa will lead the procession alongside Cabinet Ministers, provincial leaders, youth organizations, and faith-based groups, with Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri serving as the guest of honor. This high-level participation underscores the government’s commitment to addressing what has become a national emergency.

Recent statistics paint a stark picture of Zimbabwe’s drug crisis. According to Afrobarometer’s 2025 survey, 79% of Zimbabweans report that drug and substance abuse is widespread in their communities. The crisis has escalated dramatically, with drug abuse rates among young people rising from 43% in 2017 to 57% in 2019. Approximately one in 30 households across the nation is affected by drug abuse, translating to over 533,334 individuals nationwide.

The march route through Mbare is particularly significant, as this historic township has become ground zero for Zimbabwe’s drug epidemic. Mbare, established in 1907 as Zimbabwe’s first designated township, is now characterized by high unemployment, overcrowding, and rampant drug trafficking. The area is home to Zimbabwe’s largest farm produce market but has suffered from neglect and has become synonymous with crime and drug-related violence.

Zimbabwe Youth Council director for public relations and programming Tanzwika Guranungo highlighted the urgent nature of the crisis, stating that there has been “a sharp surge in social ills such as armed robberies, sexual assault, cybercrime, touting, reckless driving, and drug and substance abuse”. The march represents a critical intervention in a battle that extends far beyond individual addiction to threaten the nation’s social fabric and economic future.

Government’s Multi-Pronged Response to National Emergency

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the fight against drug abuse a national priority, launching multiple initiatives to combat what he describes as a threat to “the very soul and future of Zimbabwe”. In July 2025, the President launched a vigorous National Resource Mobilisation Programme aimed at raising over $77 million to support comprehensive anti-drug efforts.

The government’s response includes the establishment of a National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse operating through seven thematic pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, legal reforms, and public awareness campaigns. A dedicated Drug Enforcement Agency is being established, with legislation currently being finalized.

Recent law enforcement efforts have intensified dramatically. The government has identified 67 centers across the country for conversion into treatment and support facilities, with ZIG 865 million allocated in the 2025 National Budget. Under new legal provisions, emerging illicit substances such as twumba, musombodhiya, and crystal methamphetamine (locally known as mutoriro or guka) now carry stiffer penalties.

The First Lady’s Angel of Hope Foundation has been at the forefront of rehabilitation efforts, operating facilities in Mbare and supporting various community programs. Dr. Mnangagwa has been actively involved in youth empowerment initiatives, conducting school visits across the country to address issues of drug abuse, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy.

Social media reactions to the march have been mixed, with some Zimbabweans expressing skepticism about government-led initiatives while others praise the high-level commitment to addressing the crisis. On platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, young Zimbabweans have shared personal stories of addiction and recovery, highlighting both the severity of the problem and the desperate need for effective solutions.

The march represents more than a symbolic gesture – it signals Zimbabwe’s recognition that the drug crisis requires urgent, comprehensive action involving all sectors of society. With youth unemployment at 74% in areas like Chitungwiza and drug-related crimes increasing by 40% between 2021 and 2023, the stakes could not be higher for Zimbabwe’s future.

As the nation watches today’s march unfold through the streets of Harare, the message is clear: Zimbabwe’s young generation is taking a stand against the forces threatening to derail their future, demanding action and accountability from leaders while demonstrating their own commitment to building a drug-free society.