The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
MINISTER of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Cde Cain Mathema has blamed the surge in alcoholism and delinquent behaviour among youths on collapsed family values.
Cde Mathema said corruption had cascaded down to the family set up, where parents were no longer playing a leading role in instilling discipline.
“It’s all linked to corruption. It is an issue of anarchy, the misuse of facilities and positions by people has led to this unbecoming behaviour among the youth.
“Some politicians and ministers, whenever there were reports made to them would do whatever they want and the same youths we are complaining about would witness everything. The corruption is so bad that it has even spread into the family set up. It is all anarchy and it must stop,” said Cde Mathema.
He said the family was the first organisation to instil discipline in youths and parents should take a leading and active role in making sure their children are well disciplined.
“Parents should lead by example, we should all lead by example and control ourselves as Zimbabweans. There is no holy land and that mentality should cease forthwith. Families look up to us as leaders and we should lead by example,” said Cde Mathema.
He went on to mention that corruption had also spread to the church with many criminals sprouting purporting to be prophets.
“I have never been to prophets and don’t believe in them. There are so many people that have been duped by these people and these are the same people that our children look up to. We don’t need them. The rule of law must be respected not by the children but the nation as a whole. There are no sacred cows and all found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” said Cde Mathema.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Provincial Affairs, Cde Judith Ncube, echoed the same sentiments, saying families should engage the youth and monitor them closely.
“It’s all about family fabric. The greatest challenge we have as parents is that our children are now exposed to a number of things on social media and TV. We need to come together as parents and map a way forward. We have a rich culture as Zimbabweans and we should be proud of ourselves,” said Cde Ncube.
Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson Mr Winos Dube said the relaxation of laws in the country had constituted to the rise in delinquency.
“We have relaxed as a nation, even our laws and that is why our children and youths are doing as they please. The issue of corporal punishment being relaxed has led to such issues arising. The youths and children are aware that nothing will be done to them.
“We are Africans and Zimbabweans; there are certain stages in life that as human beings, our minds and bodies need to be reminded of. A human being will always remember the past and this will always point them in the right direction in life. In this instance if our youth are punished they will be pointed in the right direction.”
Last week 40 drunk and rowdy youths were arrested by police after running rampage in the CBD, following an alcohol spree.
Under-age children reportedly flocked various drinking spots in the city, after the close of the first term.
@peterkmatika
