Story by Gay Matambo
MORE than 500 youths from three constituencies in Manicaland Province converged at Munyarari Primary School in Zimunya-Marange over the weekend for the inaugural Mutsvangwa Sports Tournament, an initiative aimed at raising awareness on drug and substance abuse, as well as child marriages.
The tournament, which featured soccer and netball competitions, provided a platform for engaging young people on the importance of making positive life choices while promoting healthy lifestyles through sport.
Participants commended the initiative, describing it as a valuable opportunity to address social challenges affecting young people while encouraging community cohesion and talent development.
“The competition was tough, but the message was clear. We want our communities to be free from drug abuse, and sport brings us together to stand against substance misuse,” said one participant.
Another youth highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for young people to participate in sporting activities.
“We are grateful for the sporting kits and prizes, but the biggest benefit is having a safe environment where young people can interact, learn and remain productively occupied. We need more initiatives like this in Zimunya-Marange,” the participant said.
Speaking at the event, Senator for Zimunya-Marange, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, said sport remains one of the most effective tools for empowering young people and steering them away from harmful social practices.
“Our youths are the future of this nation, and we cannot afford to watch their potential being destroyed by drug addiction and child marriages. Through initiatives such as this tournament, we are nurturing sporting talent while simultaneously educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of protecting the rights of children,” she said.
ZANU PF Secretary for Information, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, underscored the importance of safeguarding young people to ensure sustainable national development.
“National development aspirations cannot be achieved if the productive segment of our population is affected by drug and substance abuse. We must continue protecting our youths, and grassroots sporting activities remain an important vehicle for awareness and empowerment,” he said.
ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Chairperson, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, called for continued community involvement in the fight against social ills.
“We say no to child marriages and no to illicit substances. Every village and ward must play its part in sustaining this momentum because a healthy and empowered youth population is key to national development,” he said.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said addressing drug abuse and child marriages requires collective action from all sectors of society.
“We are using the law, community engagement and awareness programmes such as this sports tournament to confront these challenges. Success will only come when communities, leaders and institutions work together towards a common goal,” he said.
The tournament concluded with winning teams receiving trophies, sporting kits and various prizes in recognition of their achievements.
The event also provided an opportunity for ZANU PF leadership to engage communities on national issues, including discussions around the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, which is currently before Parliament.
The sporting initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote youth empowerment, social awareness and community development in line with the Government’s ongoing campaign against drug and substance abuse and other harmful social practices.
