Gambling taxes to fund anti-drug programmes

THE Government says taxes collected from gambling and gaming activities will now be ring-fenced to fund programmes aimed at combating drug and substance abuse, as authorities intensify efforts to address a growing social crisis affecting communities across Zimbabwe.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said revenue from the sector will be channelled towards rehabilitation and prevention programmes, including the construction of treatment centres and nationwide awareness campaigns.

"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 initiative comes as Government escalates its response to rising cases of drug and substance abuse, which have particularly affected young people and are increasingly viewed as a major social and economic threat.

Under the plan, funds will be directed towards expanding rehabilitation infrastructure and strengthening support systems for affected individuals and families.

Concerns over the widespread abuse of substances such as crystal methamphetamine (mutoriro), cannabis and prescription drugs have continued to grow across communities, with families, schools and faith-based organisations reporting increasing cases of addiction and related social challenges.

Government has in recent years adopted a multi-sectoral approach to the problem, involving law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, churches and civil society organisations.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly warned that drug and substance abuse poses a serious threat to national development, particularly among young people, and has called for a whole-of-society response to address the challenge.

An inter-ministerial committee has since been established to coordinate national interventions, while several ministries have rolled out programmes focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Ministry of 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 all been involved in ongoing awareness and enforcement campaigns.

Meanwhile, police have intensified operations targeting drug suppliers and trafficking networks.

The betting and gaming industry has grown significantly in recent years, driven largely by online platforms and sports betting, prompting Government to tighten regulation while expanding revenue collection.

Authorities say the latest policy shift reflects an effort to align fiscal policy with social protection priorities by using targeted revenue streams to address pressing national challenges.

Communities have increasingly linked substance abuse to rising crime, domestic violence, mental health issues and family breakdown, while rehabilitation services remain limited and often overstretched in many parts of the country.