Call for collective effort to fight drug menace
Mmegi Editor | Monday July 6, 2026 06:00
“Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven”
- Donald Lyn Frost
The rising usage of illicit substances such as marijuana (dagga), methcathinone (commonly known as CAT), cocaine and heroin is destroying lives, breaking families and threatening the country’s future.
To combat the scourge, government through law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to cut the supply of drugs, but the fight cannot be won without strong families and responsible communities.
Therefore, parents and guardians have a critical role to play in guiding, monitoring and nurturing their children so that they don’t fall into the trap.
A lack of parental supervision, communication and positive role models often leave young people vulnerable to peer pressure and substance abuse. We are of the view that the battle against drugs must begin at home. The impact of drug abuse is visible across society. Schools, which should be centres of learning and hope, are increasingly affected as drugs find their way there.
Instead of focusing on their education, some learners become addicted, resulting in poor academic performance, indiscipline and school dropouts. Every child lost to drugs is a future doctor, teacher, engineer or entrepreneur that Botswana may never have. Unemployment has also contributed to the problem. With many young people struggling to secure jobs, some are lured into the illegal drug trade as a means of survival. While economic hardships are real, selling drugs only deepens society’s problems by fuelling addiction, crime and violence.
Short-term financial gain can never justify the long-term destruction of communities.
Drug abuse is also closely linked to rising crime, mental health challenges, domestic violence and road accidents. Many young people end up living on the streets after addiction tears them away from their families. Others lose promising careers and opportunities, leaving parents heartbroken after investing years of hope and sacrifice in their children. The fight against drugs requires a united national response. Government must continue strengthening border security, law enforcement and rehabilitation services while expanding public education campaigns.
Schools, churches, dikgotla, civil society organisations and the media must work together to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse.
At the same time, more employment and skills development opportunities have to be created to give young people hope and meaningful alternatives. Botswana cannot afford to lose another generation to drugs. Every citizen has a responsibility to speak out, support prevention efforts and help those struggling with addiction.
By working together, we can protect our communities, preserve our future and ensure that the nation remains a place where young people can dream, thrive and contribute positively to national development.