ZNA takes a stand against drug abuse
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Senior Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) official Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe has cautioned aspiring soldiers against drug and substance abuse, stressing that the army will not recruit individuals with addiction issues, as they may compromise discipline and duty.
Speaking at the 2024 Midlands Traditional Leaders Day event held Chief Ntabeni in Zhombe Lieutenant General Sanyatwe who was represented by Major General Matatu emphasized the army’s zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse.
“Allow me to raise another issue which touches us very much. We see more decay in our social cultural fabric, a lot of lawlessness, bad behaviour, abuse of drugs and intoxicating substances among our youths. We have noted this in our recruitment exercises and in our day-to-day work and interaction,” he said.
He added that the army’s work involves the handling of fire arm and they really cannot risk arming drug addicts.
“If we arm drug addicts, they will obviously cause commotion and shoot at other soldiers and for that matter innocent civilian.
The senior army officer drug and substance abuse has become the national problem all people must work together to fight it to secure the future generations.
“I think traditional leaders have a role to play here to bring our society to observe our ‘Ubuntu’ values.
In a country grappling with drug and substance abuse, declared a security threat by the government, the ZNA’s stance on discipline and professionalism is more crucial than ever. By partnering with traditional leaders and maintaining high standards, the army aims to uphold its reputation as a force for good in Zimbabwean society.
