Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura-Mutare Bureau
SPORTING ACTIVITIES are a powerful tool in combating drug and substance abuse as they keep young people productively engaged and away from harmful vices, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Dr Muswere, who is also the Member of Parliament for Makoni West, yesterday launched ZiG540 000 sports tournament in his constituency aimed at mobilising the youth against drug and substance abuse through sport.
The initiative, he said, is designed to harness talent, create opportunities and ultimately protect communities from the dangers of drug abuse.
“We are using sport to fight drug and substance abuse in the constituency,” said Dr Muswere at the launch held at Chiwetu Primary School.
“Every youth will be afforded an opportunity to play from grassroots level up to the constituency finals.
“Champions from this constituency will then play inter-district games with teams from across Makoni district. We are also going to invite scouts to identify talented players.”
The tournament, which has an initial budget of US$20 000, will also provide uniforms, match balls and sporting equipment for participating teams.
Dr Muswere stressed that the games must be played in true sportsmanship, free from violence and cheating.
He highlighted that beyond the sporting benefits, the competitions offer a platform for young people to interact, network and share opportunities.
“The main aim of these games is to fight drug and substance abuse in our communities,” said Dr Muswere.
“Youths are also encouraged to work in the village business units being set up by the Government across the country.
“Here in Chiwetu, the Government is at an advanced stage of setting up a vocational training centre at Chiwetu Rest Camp so that youths acquire vital life skills.
“The training centre will offer courses such as motor mechanics, painting, building, bakery, among others.”
Earlier in the day, Dr Muswere officiated at the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Manicaland province games at Vengere High School in Rusape.
Running under the theme “Curbing Drug and Substance Abuse through Sport”, the games reinforced the Government’s broader campaign to tackle the scourge.
Dr Muswere said the Government, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, is intensifying the fight against drug abuse through legislation, community interventions and awareness campaigns.
“The measures include the Multi-Sectorial Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), with very distinct pillars which speak to harm reduction, demand reduction, supply reduction, community integration, policy and regulation and media and communication,” he added.
“For us to be able to achieve Vision 2030, we have to work together collectively as we work to find ways to deal with supply side.
“The Government is working on establishing the Drug Abuse Agency.
“The Attorney-General’s Office is finalising modalities on the agency.
“Meanwhile, we have the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Medical Substance and Allied Act and the Criminal Codification and Reform Act — all these pieces of legislation have been put in place in order to suppress and liquidate the proliferation of drugs and substance abuse.”
Officer Commanding ZPCS Manicaland province, Commissioner Spetosomusa Chinobva, said her organisation has also adopted sport and other educational activities to sensitise officers, their families and communities on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
