Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called upon the church and the community leaders to be sources of guidance and leadership to the youths.

This comes as the country is currently seized with the battle against the scourge of drug, alcohol and substance abuse.

Speaking  yesterday in Lupane, Matebeleland North at the National Youth Day, President Mnangagwa emphasized that sound morals, ethics and values, anchored on the African philosophy of Ubuntu/ Hunhu were essential foundations upon which our nation was founded.

“Sound morals, ethics and values, anchored on our African philosophy of Ubuntu/ Hunhu are the essential foundations upon which our nation is founded. Hence, community leaders and institutions, including the church should continue providing leadership and guidance to our youth. Most importantly, the family both nucleus and extended, must never abdicate its responsibilities to nurture young people to be upright and hard-working citizens,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President also highlighted that specialised medical facilities which would provide service to drug addicts and survivors of substance abuse would be established by the Government. This will ensure that greater focus will be given to strengthen the delivery of quality services in the mental health sub-sector and provision of related psycho-social support nets.

Meanwhile, ten youths from Binga, Matebeleland North, officially received offer letters for ten hectare farms that were made available to them by President Mnangagwa for the improvement of their livelihoods.

This year’s National Youth Day ran under the theme, “Drug and Substance; A threat to Vision 2030; every community’s responsibility”,