Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
STAKEHOLDERS in Bulawayo converged at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport this Saturday for an anti-substance abuse family fun day, with activities promoting drug-free lifestyles taking centre stage.
The airport, typically associated with aircraft arrivals and departures, transformed into a vibrant hub of family entertainment, bringing together aviation stakeholders, families and car enthusiasts. Activities included car spinning, helicopter rides and interactive sessions aimed at encouraging positive lifestyle choices.
Participants described the event as both entertaining and impactful.
“I came to support my dad who organised this, so we came to support him. It is a fun event, there are lots of things going on and we’re really enjoying ourselves. It is a great event.
“I am here because I love cars. My father was a BMW man; he always drove BMWs.
“Today we are out here to witness spinning and enjoy time with people, as it is a family fun day. We came as Team Golf One. We are actually here to represent car culture and promote the anti-drugs movement to show that there are other things you can do besides drugs.
“For example, we focus on cars more than anything, more than drugs and alcohol, and that motivates us every day for the betterment of our lives,” family members said.
Others highlighted the excitement of aviation experiences offered at the event.
“I just had a ride in the helicopter; it was a lot of fun. The view is amazing; we flew over the city, it was incredible,” family members added.
The presence of Ethiopian Airlines added significance to the gathering as the airline marked its 80th anniversary.
“We are celebrating Ethiopian Airlines’ 80th anniversary today, so we thought there is no better way to celebrate than this event. It is a stakeholders’ event; we continue to work together, and we have achieved this milestone together,” Ethiopian Airlines Bulawayo Traffic and Operations Manager, Sawe Niamanwe said.
Meanwhile, Airports Company of Zimbabwe said such initiatives play a key role in addressing substance abuse, particularly among youths.
“As Airports Company of Zimbabwe, we are here today for an anti-substance abuse family fun day. Drugs have become a serious problem among Zimbabwean youth and even adults, so we are here supporting the national campaign against drug abuse.
“As we move towards Vision 2030 and an upper-middle-income economy, we want to achieve that with a drug-free generation. We made this family fun day because many young people have lost hope in their families and careers.
“However, there are still career opportunities available in Zimbabwe, and many people still have loving families. This initiative is about bringing people together and restoring that hope,” Airports Company of Zimbabwe Public Relations Manager, Tonderai Mangombe said.
The family fun day combined entertainment with awareness, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in building a drug-free society while celebrating milestones within the aviation sector.
