leeroy mupariri
Youth Interactive Writer
Harare’s Junior Mayor, Solomon Mzumara, has pledged to use his influence to combat drug and substance abuse and bullying in schools.
The 17-year-old St John’s High School student has declared war against these social ills affecting young people in Harare.
In an interview, Mzumara expressed his commitment to fulfilling many of his initiatives in the first quarter of the year.“As the Harare Junior Mayor, I am ready to work with a dedicated team to change the lives of many people in 2025.
“One of the key issues we will address is drug and substance abuse through the ‘Black Ribbon’ campaign. We have observed that this issue is affecting many young people in Harare, and serious action needs to be taken.
“With sufficient resources, we aim to raise awareness throughout the Harare suburbs against this growing scourge,” he stated.
The passionate young leader, whose heart aches for the victims of drug abuse, emphasised the need for a collective effort to tackle this pressing issue.
“Drug and substance abuse has been a topic of discussion at the highest levels of Government, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we combat this problem.
“We are ready to collaborate with various organisations to win this battle. Drug and substance abuse can be eradicated if people are willing to join hands and ensure that drug peddlers are flushed out,” he added.
Outlining his vision for 2025, Mzumara identified bullying in schools as another serious issue that requires urgent attention. “Many challenges are happening in schools that need addressing, especially bullying. Victims of bullying should be taught how to combat this ‘cancer’ by speaking out.
“Bullying has psychological effects that can affect learners’ performance in class and lower their self-esteem,” he stressed.
To promote hygiene, Mzumara’s team has also planned a series of cleanup campaigns across the city.
“We must learn to safeguard our environment by keeping it clean. We have organised awareness campaigns throughout the city to ensure that Harare remains clean.
“We have noticed piles of litter accumulating everywhere, posing risks to city dwellers and visitors. Hygiene is a priority that should be promoted from the grassroots level.”
Additionally, Mzumara is set to hold the Miss Harare pageant in the first quarter of the year.
“We noted that young girls deserve the opportunity to gain confidence and raise their self-esteem.
“One of our initiatives is to organise a pageant specifically for high school students in Harare.
“We will announce the date and venue soon, but these plans are in motion to ensure that girls are empowered,” he said.
Mzumara assured modelling enthusiasts that they will engage pageant experts to ensure transparency.
“As a high-profile pageant celebrating the city’s most talented individuals, we cannot afford to disappoint. Miss Harare 2025 is coming, and Harare girls will have the chance to shine. This is a powerful way to empower them, as pageantry can change lives when taken seriously and professionally.”
The vision of this youthful policymaker and his team can only become a reality with the support and budget they deserve.Given their plans for the first quarter of 2025, promising times lie ahead.
