MIDWEEK REPORTER
ZVISHAVANE -As the country battles drug abuse pandemic, the government, private sector, individuals and not for profit organisations are putting their heads together to fight the scourge that is threatening a whole generation.
The pandemic has been caused by a number of factors including unemployment for youths, poverty and also easy accessibility to drugs and dangerous substances.
Despite the fact that they are age limits in beerhalls and bars, the coming of liquor stores has accelerated the process of getting youth drunk with easy also they are substances that get them drunk without even paying for them eg used pampers.
This is coupled by some substances that are being consumed by the youths and are not regarded as dangerous at law and the perpetrators are not arrested.
Due to poverty and unemployment the drug peddlers are concerned about putting food on the table for their families without considering the lives they are destroying in the process.
However, there is one man who has become a knight in shining armour for the youth in Zvishavane, Kamino Simango as he has taken it upon himself to fight social injustices such as the issues of drug and substance abuse.
Simango has become a vital cog in the small mining town as he has basically become the drug Ambassador in the town recognized by Mimosa a Platinum mining giant in the country.
Simango is 50 years old in a Family of 9, with 5 boys and 4 girls and grew up in Zvishavane.
Simango was motivated to fight against dangerous drugs and substances abuse after witnessing talent going to waste, like medical doctors, musicians and potential community leaders with some becoming mental patients.
“I have felt the need to make this world a better place for all of us, as some of us cannot fold our arms and say do nothing about it I felt the urge to fight for our own rights and identity,” said Simango.
In an interview Simango highlighted that he saw youth being destroyed by people who are hungry for their own selfish successes.
“In the fight against dangerous drugs and substances abuse some people who are drug barons are well connected within the rank and file in the corridors of power? Some law enforcement agents work together with drug barons or are on pay roll of these drug barons
Some of the law enforcement agents work hand in glove with drug barons and are even informed of plans to fight the drug abuse beforehand and some are on payroll of these drug barons.
“In 2024 I intent to establish a rehabilitation center for drug addicts and also assist victims of substance abuse,” he said.
Simango has become the ambassador for the fight against dangerous drugs and substances abuse for Mimosa and Ya FM Radio and also works with the ZRP and other government agencies.
Shamiso Sibanda a youth in Mandava area has commended Simango for his dedication to assist the youths.
“I never seen a man so dedicated to help the youths around the town as he has created employment for some now through his efforts, where they are engaging in projects like brick moulding for the youth in Mandava suburb.
“If we could have more men like him our town would be clean of drugs,” she said.
Jonathan Moyo also concurred and said slowly Mandava is being transformed from being a drug hub through his efforts as an ambassador.
