Staff Reporter 

The Zimbabwe National Army Deputy Director Civil Matters, Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Vumba, emphasized the important role that traditional leaders play in fostering good morals among their communities.

Lt. Col. Vumba made these remarks on Friday in Silobela while addressing chiefs from the Midlands.

He highlighted the pressing issue of drug and substance abuse among the youth and urged chiefs to take a strong stand against such behaviors, as these youths are potential recruits for the national army.

“As chiefs, you have a bigger role to play in building communities as well as building our national army by fostering good citizenship. Now we have a generation hinged on drug and substance abuse; how then do we enlist them into the army to protect our land? We can not have soldiers who are drug addicts as we can not trust them with guns to protect the country as they will end up abusing them,” he said.

Lt. Col. Vumba also said that chiefs should serve as role models and guides in society.

“As the army, we stand guided by traditional leaders as they are the cornerstone of society. You should keep on fostering good behavior so that we get soldiers who are well-groomed and ready to execute national duty,” he said.

Lt Col Vumba said society is facing moral decay as they are not following traditions established to guide them.

“Communities are facing moral decay because they are not following traditions,” he said.

This call to action comes at a time when the country is grappling with widespread drug and substance abuse among the youth.