BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– Drug abuse can steal young people’s dreams, destroy their potential and derail their future, Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Senator Savannah Maziya has warned.
She urged young people to make positive choices that protect their future, saying their decisions today will shape the lives they build tomorrow.
The Minister said young people represent the future of Eswatini and should focus on building themselves through education, good health and responsible decision-making.
“When your future is not bright, you turn down to destroy others. Anytime I see young people, I see the future. Do not waste your future,” Minister said.
She was speaking during the second edition of Lisango Neliguma (Man Space/Woman Space) dialogue hosted by The Nurse’s Orders at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Mbabane Campus.
The minister urged young people to plan for their future and avoid behaviours that could prevent them from reaching their goals.
“Plan for your future. Drugs can destroy your future,” she said.
Her message comes as health advocates continue to raise awareness about the effects of substance abuse among young people in Eswatini.
According to available Eswatini-based research and institutional reports, substance abuse remains a growing concern, with alcohol and cannabis (daga) among the most commonly abused substances.
Data indicates that approximately 21.7 per cent of young people in Eswatini are affected by addiction to drugs or illegal substances.
The UNFPA Eswatini State of the Youth Report also highlights concerns among out-of-school youth, indicating that 58.9 per cent consume alcohol on a daily or weekly basis.
Studies among school-going teenagers show that substance abuse affects young people of both genders, with boys reported to be more likely to experiment with alcohol and cannabis.
Health experts warn that early exposure to drugs can affect young people’s health, decision-making abilities, education and future employment opportunities.
Founder and chairperson of The Nurse’s Orders, UNESWA nursing student Meluleki Ndwandwe, said empowering young people with accurate information was important in building a healthier society.
Ndwandwe said health should not only be viewed as the absence of illness, but should include social, intellectual, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
He said The Nurse’s Orders established initiatives such as Lisango Neliguma to create safe spaces where young people can discuss challenges, gain knowledge and make informed choices.
The organisation is also working on initiatives focusing on addiction and mental health awareness, with the aim of supporting communities and promoting preventative healthcare.
The dialogue encouraged young people to understand the impact of their choices and recognise their role in shaping a healthier and more productive Eswatini.
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