Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Department of Immigration hosted a sports tournament on Sunday in the border town of Beitbridge to promote safe migration and raise awareness against drug trafficking through the borders.
The event, themed “A Fight Against Human Smuggling and Drug Trafficking,” was part of the Department’s initiative to raise funds for charity. All proceeds from the tournament were donated to Takalani Children’s Home, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable migrants in the border town.
Eight soccer and netball teams gathered at Mabidi Stadium to compete in support of the charitable cause. The teams represented various government departments and law enforcement agencies, fostering teamwork and camaraderie while highlighting the importance of combating human smuggling and drug trafficking.
Mr. Joshua Chibundu, Regional Immigration Officer in charge of the southern region (Beitbridge, Masvingo, Chiredzi, and Sango), described the event as a huge success.
“We also invited our counterparts from South Africa, recognizing that irregular migration and trafficking are trans-border challenges,” said Mr. Chibundu.
“We are all winners today, united by one vision and one cause. This event fosters a sense of unity to reduce irregular migration and drug trafficking, while also addressing the plight of vulnerable migrants, especially young children.”
“Some of these children are stranded and unaccompanied; we commend the authorities at Takalani Children’s Home for the remarkable work they do in caring for these vulnerable migrants,” he added.
In soccer, teams included Busters, Immigration Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Superstrikers, Rovers, Inspectors, Zimborders, and Immigration South Africa, mainly composed of personnel from various law enforcement agencies.
The netball competition featured women from Rovers, Superstrikers, Trust Me, Immigration Zimbabwe, ZIMRA, Zimborders/Inspectors, and ZINARA.
Mr. Chibundu emphasized that the tournament was part of ongoing efforts to engage the community and raise awareness about the dangers of human smuggling and drug trafficking.
“We are grateful for the support from the participating teams and the Beitbridge community,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between border agencies from South Africa and Zimbabwe in both formal and social settings to build relationships that enhance efficient service delivery at the border.
“It is crucial to collaborate with stakeholders to raise awareness about combating human smuggling, drug trafficking, and substance abuse,” Mr. Chibundu stated.
“Events like this promote community engagement and teamwork among law enforcement agencies and government departments.”
Mrs. Florence Ncube, founder of Takalani Children’s Home, praised the Department of Immigration for organizing the tournament and donating all proceeds to the institution.
“This is wonderful; we are grateful for the support in helping vulnerable young migrants, many of whom are of school-going age. Currently, we care for seven children, most of whom we have been unable to trace their families.
They require significant support,” she said.
