By A Correspondent
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana sparked controversy on Thursday when he placed the blame for the rise in drug abuse in Zimbabwe squarely on the use of the US dollar.
Writing on social media platform X, Mangwana claimed that the widespread use of the US dollar in the country had inadvertently fueled the proliferation of drug and substance abuse.
“The widespread use of the USD in Zimbabwe has inadvertently created a haven for drug peddlers and pushers,” Mangwana wrote. “These unscrupulous individuals are drawn to the country’s dollarized economy, seeking to capitalize on the lucrative opportunities it presents.”
Mangwana’s comments quickly drew criticism, with many questioning his reasoning and the logic behind attributing drug abuse to Zimbabwe’s use of foreign currency. While some supported his argument, others were quick to point out that the issue of drug abuse is far more complex.
A senior medical doctor based in Masvingo, who chose to remain anonymous, strongly disagreed with Mangwana’s hypothesis. “Surely there is need for us to get down to the serious matters leading to the high incidence of drug abuse. You can’t blame the US dollar for the proliferation of drug abuse. It’s absurd,” the doctor said.
“Drug abuse is a complex social issue involving a wide range of factors, including poverty, lack of education, and mental health challenges, not simply the currency used in transactions.”
The doctor’s remarks reflect growing frustration with oversimplified explanations for the drug crisis in Zimbabwe. The country has seen a marked increase in the abuse of substances like crystal meth (mutoriro) and marijuana, a trend that has raised alarms among health professionals and community leaders alike.
Mangwana’s statement has sparked a broader debate about the root causes of drug abuse in Zimbabwe. While some may agree with the government spokesperson’s viewpoint, the majority argue that economic instability, inadequate rehabilitation services, and societal pressures are more significant drivers of the issue.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with drug abuse, many believe that more attention should be placed on tackling the underlying causes, rather than pointing fingers at external factors like the US dollar.