Source: Gambling taxes to fund anti-drug programmes – herald
Peter Matika-Bulawayo Bureau
TAXES collected from gambling will now be channelled towards programmes aimed at combating drug and substance abuse, as the Government intensifies efforts to tackle a growing social crisis affecting communities across Zimbabwe.
In an interview, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said revenue generated through taxes and levies imposed on gaming and gambling activities will be ring-fenced to support anti-drug interventions, including the construction of rehabilitation centres and funding awareness programmes.
The move comes as the Second Republic steps up efforts to confront the escalating scourge of drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, which has emerged as a major national concern.
“So this tax for gaming and gambling will be earmarked to support the drug and substance abuse response programme. The tax funds will be used to construct rehabilitation centres across the country and also to fund anti-drug mechanisms,” said Prof Ncube.
The intervention is expected to strengthen ongoing nationwide campaigns aimed at reducing substance abuse, while expanding access to rehabilitation and support services for affected individuals and families.
Across communities, concerns over the rising abuse of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as mutoriro, cannabis and prescription medicines have continued to grow, with families, schools and churches increasingly raising alarm over the devastating social impact of addiction.
The Government has in recent years intensified its fight against the scourge through a multi-sectoral approach involving law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, churches, schools and community organisations.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly described drug and substance abuse as a serious threat to the country’s social and economic future, particularly among young people, warning that it risks destroying lives and weakening communities if left unchecked.
He has consistently called for a whole-of-society approach in addressing the problem, urging families, civic organisations and institutions to work together in protecting the country’s future generation.
The Government subsequently established an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate national interventions and formulate strategies to combat the scourge.
Several ministries, including Health and Child Care, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Primary and Secondary Education, and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, have since rolled out programmes targeting prevention, awareness, rehabilitation and reintegration.
As part of these efforts, nationwide awareness campaigns have been conducted in schools, tertiary institutions and communities, while police have intensified crackdowns on drug dealers and trafficking syndicates.
The betting and gaming sector has in recent years experienced significant growth, driven largely by online betting platforms and increased participation in sports betting.
The Government has simultaneously moved to tighten regulation of the sector while broadening revenue collection mechanisms as part of wider fiscal reforms.
The latest intervention reflects the Government’s strategy of using fiscal policy not only to generate revenue, but also to directly respond to pressing social challenges affecting Zimbabwean communities.
Communities across the country have increasingly linked drug and substance abuse to rising incidents of crime, domestic violence, mental health disorders and anti-social behaviour, prompting calls for stronger interventions and expanded rehabilitation facilities.
With rehabilitation centres often limited and overstretched, many families have struggled to access adequate treatment and counselling services for affected relatives.
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