Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
More than 4 000 young people took part in the John Landa Nkomo Memorial Sports Tournament held in Tsholotsho this Friday.
With emphasis on fighting drug and substance abuse, the sports gala held at John Landa Nkomo High School gave young people an opportunity to chart their own course.
Driven by the John Landa Nkomo Foundation, the initiative is gaining traction as it spreads its wings to support various national programmes.
The foundation’s chairperson, Mr Jabulani Nkomo said, “Your unwavering support and dedication inspires us to expand this movement to provincial and even national levels. The Trust has undertaken various projects which include mobilising resources for the John Landa High School, clinics and supporting education.”
Besides enjoying netball and football festivities, the initiative has been applauded for uplifting youths through sport.
The Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Hon Musa Ncube said, “In the last few weeks that our young people were part of these games, I am proud to say we never recorded even a single incident linked to drug abuse.”
“As guided by the visionary leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, we commit ourselves to ensuring that the youth are at the forefront of national development,” noted the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Hon Kudakwashe Mupamhanga.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Richard Moyo said, “This programme aligns with our national development agenda and Vision 2030 as I am reliably informed that this platform ensures active participation of our youth in national development.”
Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi was impressed by the active involvement of the Tsholotsho community in the programme.
“This initiative has reached deeply in our communities. It is not just the numbers that are impressive but it is the impact. The engagement of so many in this initiative speaks of the critical importance that sport plays in this country in the development of our youth,” he said.
The event attracted more than 25 000 people who were involved either as participants or fans.
