Veteran gospel musician Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave has joined the fight against drug and substance abuse through her music.
Her song Guka from the latest album Hupenyu addresses the dangers of youth taking guka. The album has songs like Guka, Fara, Huyai Tifare, Ndega Handigone, Nhai Mwari Seiko and a rendition of Tichamuwona, featuring Mwenje Mathole.
Guka makafela is a Zimbabwean slang term for the illicit drug crystal meth.
A 2019 study by the Zimbabwe National Drug Abuse Council found that a staggering one in five young people between the ages of 15 and 24 had used drugs at least once.
The use of guka is illegal and dangerous. It can lead to severe health problems, including mental health issues, physical health complications, addiction, and overdose.
Statistics compiled in 2021 by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network revealed that 60% of psychiatric admissions countrywide are due to drug abuse.
Last year, 17 youths from Entumbane were rushed to Ingutsheni Central hospital after overdosing on crystal methamphetamine.
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