By Brendah Muchato
His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe and ZANU PF First Secretary Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa urged communities to expose those who harbour drug peddlers and merchandisers, as well as directing the Police to deal with drug syndicates.
"Meanwhile, I have directed that the Police and other security arms to act decisively in flushing out drug syndicates, as well as dismantling the associated supply chains. No stone will be left unturned. Communities are urged to expose those who harbour drug peddlers and merchandisers. No one is above the law", President Mnangagwa said
President Mnangagwa made these remarks yesterday at the National Youth Day commemorations, which were this year celebrated at Lupane State University in Matabeleland South for the first time following the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy as the New Dispensation thrives to leave no one and no place behind which were running under the theme _"Drug and Substances abuse; A threat to Vision 2030; every community's responsibility"_.
His Excellency also challenged the youth to defend and safeguard the democracy and peace enjoyed in Zimbabwe.
"As you do so, I challenge you to recommit to playing your part in defending and safeguarding the democracy peace and stability that we are enjoying in our country. Equally, you have the weighty responsibility to deploy your youthful energy, creativity and entrepreneurship skills to develop every part of our economy, from the ward level upwards", President Mnangagwa said.
"The National Youth Day allows you the youth to collectively remember and honour the sacrifices made by the young people of yester-year who took up arms to deliver our country's independence and sovereignty. Our country's colonial history must never be forgotten. The rich heritage bequeathed to us by our founding fathers must be preserved and promoted", said President Mnangagwa
President Mnangagwa highlighted that the ZANU PF government remains committed in achieving a higher life and prosperous future for youths.
"As your leadership and the ZANU PF Government, we remain committed to playing our part to facilitating a higher quality of life and a brighter and more prosperous future for the young people of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe",he said.
President Mnangagwa encouraged the youths to occupy governance and leadership roles which his government is unveiling to young people.
"Meanwhile, the revolutionary ZANU PF Government remains committed to facilitating the youth access to relevant spaces in the body politic of our country. Our promise to broaden your participation in remains high on our agenda. The youth seats in Parliament and their appointment Government into strategic positions in both the revolutionary Party, ZANU PF and within Government are assured. Under the Second Republic, we are not going back on our commitment to empower the young talented people of our country".
Furthermore, he called upon the youths to remain focused and say no to drugs and substance abuse.
"In conclusion let me once again express my gratitude to the leadership of Matabeleland North Province, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, and other stakeholders for organising this successful event. l call upon you the youth of our country to remain focused, to be peace builders, hard working, disciplined, respectful and patriotic for the prosperity of our motherland. Let us all say NO to drugs and substance abuse", he said.