Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu
A youth-driven initiative aimed at improving access to affordable funeral services has been launched in Binga, with young people leading efforts to raise awareness on the importance of dignified burials for loved ones across communities in Binga Centre and Binga South.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Binga-born ZANU-PF youth member, Cde Noah Mumpande, who said the programme seeks to educate residents on the importance of funeral cover and increase awareness of the range of funeral service providers available to families.
Speaking during recent community engagements, Mumpande said the programme aligns with the national development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“We want every family in Binga to have access to dignified funeral services regardless of their economic circumstances. Many families have faced challenges in providing decent burials for their loved ones, and this initiative seeks to address that gap,” he said.
Mumpande said young people in Binga are drawing lessons from development initiatives being implemented in other parts of the country and adapting them to suit local needs.
“We are moving towards bridging the gap of being perceived as people who are lagging behind as Binga. That is why, as youths who have been exposed to the progress being driven by other young people in different regions, we are adopting positive ideas and implementing them in our communities. We are also innovating in ways that place us on the same level as others, or even ahead, not in the spirit of competition but in pursuit of development, because we are the custodians of our future,” he said.
Mumpande said funeral policies should be accessible to people in rural, peri-urban and urban communities, arguing that they help families provide dignified burials and ease financial burdens during bereavement.
“Many funeral policies offer affordable packages designed to cater for ordinary families, including those in remote rural communities. From my study, some packages are structured in a way that even low-income households can afford them,” he said.
As part of the outreach programme, engagements were held with traditional leaders, political leaders and village heads to promote awareness and encourage community participation.
Mumpande said the team intends to engage reputable funeral service providers and encourage them to expand their services into Binga, while exploring opportunities for the establishment of local offices within the district.
He noted that such developments could potentially create employment opportunities for young people in the area.
In addition, Mumpande revealed that he and his team are planning to sponsor a major sporting tournament in Binga South in August, which is expected to attract thousands of participants and spectators.
According to Mumpande, the event will also provide a platform for community development initiatives and awareness campaigns.
“We want to use sport as a vehicle for empowerment. We hope to bring football scouts and officials who can identify talented young players and create opportunities for them to advance their sporting careers,” he said.
He added that young people have an important role to play in transforming their communities and contributing to national development.
“As youths, we are committed to working hard to ensure that Binga becomes one of Zimbabwe’s most attractive destinations by 2030. Development starts with us. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, and Binga is built by its own people,” said Mumpande.
