Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
SCORES of youths and community members thronged Warren Park 4 Primary School last Saturday for an anti-drug and substance abuse campaign organised by Zanu PF Harare Province Youth League Ward 15, as eight local football teams battled it out in a vibrant tournament aimed at promoting positive lifestyles.
The initiative, spearheaded by Ward 15 ZANU PF shadow councillor Cde Alouis Chakarisa (28), drew participants from various sections of Warren Park, with organisers confirming that the eight teams represented communities across Zone 3.
The tournament, held under the theme “Say No to Drugs – Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030”, combined sport, edutainment and community engagement, as youths were encouraged to shun drug abuse and instead focus on income-generating and developmental projects.
Guest of honour Cde Tendai Chiwetu challenged young people to take a leading role in building the nation by resisting the lure of drugs and harmful practices.
“Young people are the backbone of our nation and must not destroy their future through drugs and substance abuse,” said Cde Chiwetu. “You should instead focus on productive activities such as entrepreneurship, agriculture projects like hydroponics, and skills development in line with the national Vision 2030 agenda.”
He also took the opportunity to unpack the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, highlighting its perceived benefits as strengthening governance systems, enhancing policy continuity and aligning national leadership structures with Zimbabwe’s long-term development trajectory.
“Amendment Bill No. 3 is meant to ensure stability, policy consistency and the consolidation of development gains. It will help Government maintain focus on transformative programmes that benefit the youth and the nation at large,” he said.
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Cde Chakarisa said the football tournament was part of broader efforts to curb rising cases of drug and substance abuse among youths in Ward 15.
“We have eight teams participating here today, drawn from different sections of Warren Park. This shows the scale of youth engagement we are building,” he said. “Drug and substance abuse is a growing concern in our communities, but through sport and community programmes, we are creating alternatives that keep young people occupied and focused.”
Cde Chakarisa added that plans were underway to expand recreational infrastructure in the area.
“We are pushing for more recreational facilities in Warren Park so that our youths have safe spaces to spend their time. If they are engaged in sport and development projects, they are less likely to fall into drug abuse,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the community’s support for the proposed constitutional changes and the national development agenda.
“As Ward 15, we stand fully behind Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 and the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. We believe this will bring more opportunities for both young and old as we move towards Vision 2030,” he said.
Some youths who attended the event expressed appreciation for Government-led empowerment initiatives and community-driven programmes.
One of the youth organisers said the campaign was a clear demonstration of grassroots mobilisation.
“We are here to support programmes that uplift young people and steer them away from drugs. This tournament is not just about football; it is about building a responsible and productive generation,” he said.
Winners of the tournament walked away with cash prizes, with the champions receiving US$500, runners-up US$200 and third-placed team US$150, funds which organisers said would support youth-led projects.
Beyond the pitch, participants engaged in discussions on livelihood opportunities, including small-scale enterprises and innovative farming methods such as hydroponics, reflecting a growing shift towards sustainable youth empowerment initiatives.
Online Reporter