Story by Gay Matambo
A new wellness initiative has been launched in Manicaland Province, with youths urged to actively engage in upcoming public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill.
The call was made during the launch of the Manicaland Wellness and Fitness Programme at Mutare Polytechnic College this Wednesday.
The proposed legislation, among other provisions, seeks to extend Zimbabwe’s electoral cycle from five to seven years as part of efforts to advance the national development agenda.
Addressing participants, Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Misheck Mugadza, said youths must take an active role in shaping national policy.
“Wellness must go beyond physical fitness to include mental, emotional and social well-being. Let us collectively reject substance abuse, promote healthy lifestyles, and safeguard our future. Parliament is going to be doing consultations on the Bill, where youths are required to share their views and opinions on the Bill, and everyone is welcome. Our country has freedom and allows everyone to participate in such key issues. As Manicaland Province, we are in full support of the Bill.”
The programme blended fitness with civic awareness, with participants emphasising the importance of health in national development.
“We welcome this programme because fitness and wellness are not luxuries, they are necessities for national development,” one participant said.
“As the Public Service Commission, we welcome this initiative as a healthy population is more productive and a healthy workforce builds a stronger economy,” another added.
“When our communities are active, we reduce lifestyle diseases, improve mental health, strengthen families and create resilient societies,” a participant said.
The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Health Strategy, which positions wellness as a key pillar in achieving Vision 2030.
