Accountability Lab recently released a policy note on Drug and Substance Abuse in Zimbabwe. The policy note contains recommendations from the government, members of Parliament, and civil society to mitigate the growing crisis. While acknowledging the government’s efforts in combating high levels of substance abuse among young people, the policy note emphasizes the need to review and strengthen existing legislation to adapt to the rapidly evolving dynamics of the drug trade. The note proposes more humane approaches prioritizing public health and accountability, moving away from the punitive measures presently under enforcement. The Lab urged the state to declare drug and substance a national emergency and urged parliamentarians to enact the necessary legislative reforms.

Accountability Lab launched the note at an official meeting attended by the Zimbabwe  Parliamentary Youth Caucus leadership, including Chairperson Hon. Stanley Sakupwanaya, several members of the Caucus, the assistant Clerk of Parliament, the Clerk for the Parliamentary Youth Caucus, representatives from Zimbabwe Defense Forces and the Zimbabwe Republic Police and civil society. The meeting was held on 13 December 2023 in Harare.

The parliamentarians, including Hon. Tinashe Mushipe welcomed the Lab’s input, encouraging continued engagements to provide expert insight and analysis of  critical issues to enhance the knowledge and capacity of policymakers. The Youth Caucus applauded the Accountability Lab for providing expert insights about the issue that will assist members of the National Assembly in participating effectively in debates.

During the meeting, Hon. Sakupwanya acknowledged the prevalence of the crisis in his constituency, particularly among young people. While a significant number were substance abusers, many also sold controlled and illegal substances among their peers for income. Sakupwanya highlighted the significance of the youth quota, which enables the representation of young people’s issues and interests in the legislative body. He noted the importance of building the capacity of parliamentarians to participate in reasoned debates with older and more experienced counterparts.

AL’s engagement with the Parliamentary Youth Caucus, police, and Ministry of Defense builds on feedback obtained from its CivActs surveys and listening meetings in Chitungwiza, Bulawayo, Harare, Goromonzi, and Matobo, where drug abuse and poor implementation of the National Drugs and Substance Abuse Master Plan were topical issues of concern to communities. Following initial community conversations early this year, Accountability

Lab and its partners formed a National CSO Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce, which hosted a policy dialogue forum in June 2023. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including Parliamentarians, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s office, the Ministry of Public Service Labor and Social Welfare, and civil society representatives.

Despite being a community challenge, AL and the task force advocate for enacting policy recommendations among national decision-makers as the crisis affects communities nationwide. The Youth Parliamentary Caucus was identified as one of the best drivers for law and policy change, given their interested nature, as the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network revealed that 57% of young people are involved in drug and substance abuse.

The Lab encouraged legislators to exercise their authority in parliament to hold the executive accountable for their responsibility to protect and provide adequate health services to citizens.

—

Bathabile Dlamini is the Media and Communication Officer at Accountability Lab Zimbabwe