Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE Bambadzi Ward community in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, has begun formal processes to secure land for the construction of a recreational and cultural centre aimed at empowering local youth.
The initiative is being driven by residents in collaboration with local council and traditional leadership, with a proposal already tabled and adopted for presentation at the next full council meeting. The meeting, which was initially scheduled for June 30, has since been postponed to a later date.
Ward Councillor Sikhumbuzo Dube said the planned facility will play a key role in keeping young people engaged while nurturing their artistic talent and discouraging substance abuse.
“There is a recreation centre which we are going to propose soon and it will be at Tjabhoroma Village. We hope this will assist our youths to perfect their art skills and also to shun substance and drug abuse,” said Clr Dube.
He added that he is working closely with council officials and project stakeholders to facilitate the pegging of land for the proposed development.
“I am working with council to peg the area for the community, and I am working with Sibanjana, who is the brains behind the project,” he said.
One of the key drivers of the initiative, versatile artiste The Big Animal Sibanjana Junior, said the project is part of broader efforts to establish sustainable arts development programmes in the community. After returning to Zimbabwe in 2020 following nine years abroad, Sibanjana said he launched an arts and craft initiative at his home that has already trained more than 70 children.
“My goal is to ensure that this becomes a permanent place for the arts, which is why we are working with council to secure land for construction. Our plan is for the Cultural Community Centre to include a school of art where young people can learn different forms of creative handwork,” he said.
He added that the envisioned centre will serve as a hub for skills development, cultural expression and youth empowerment within the community.
Once completed, the recreational centre is expected to become a focal point for artistic training and community engagement in Bambadzi, offering young people structured alternatives to idle time while strengthening local cultural identity.
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