TRADITIONAL leaders from Matabeleland South have urged families to revive cultural ways of nurturing children which empasised that it takes a village to raise a child.
This follows a sharp increase in cases of drug and substance abuse being reported countrywide. Some of the drug abuse cases have been recorded in schools.
According to police, Matabeleland South province recorded a 172 percent increase in cases of drug abuse cases from January to April this year compared to the same period last year.
Speaking recently during a traditional leaders’ conflict and crime prevention meeting which was organised by the police in conjunction with National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, Zimbabwe Gender Commission Commissioner Peter Mawonera (Chief Chikwizo) said there is a need for the family institution to be strengthened.
“In the past children used to sit with their uncles and aunties and their grandparents and they would be counselled on how to behave.
“At community level village elders used to sit with the youngsters and lecture them on proper conduct. This helped to create a sense of accountability and responsibility among the youngsters. As parents we have to ensure that we revive these practices. In cases where other relatives are situated far parents have to ensure that they counsel their children,” he said.
“The trend which is there nowadays is that youngsters now spend most of their time on their cellphones and there is no longer engagement within families. There is no longer unity and common purpose in nurturing and developing children.”
Headman Makhurane said cases of drug abuse which are being recorded in the district are worrying.
He said it is even more alarming to learn that schools have become drug peddling hotspots.
Headman Makhurane said engagements by elders with young people are key in enforcing discipline.
He also lamented cases of violence which were being perpetrated by young people.
“If we are thorough at family and community level in grooming these youngsters then that can surely have an influence over their conduct. Today we have learners that go to school with dangerous weapons such as knives and machetes. Youngsters are engaging in criminal activities at school and even within the community. We need to act now and rescue our children from this demon of crimes which has possessed them,” he said.
Chief Nhlamba said collective work is needed in order to ensure proper grooming of children.
He said the country needs a breed of focused and motivated youths who can spearhead development in their communities. Chief Nhlamba said western culture should not overshadow traditional and cultural values.
Also speaking during the same meeting NPRC Commissioner, Nomaqhawe Gwere said traditional leaders have a crucial role in cementing communities and restoring peace and social coercion in the country. Commissioner Gwere said involving traditional leaders helps to ensure that the message on peace cascades to the grassroots level.
Police working with NPRC and ZGC has been conducting conflict and crime awareness meetings with traditional leaders from Matabeleland South. – The Chronicle
