adminPaul Pindani in CHINHOYI
THE Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) intensified its fight against drug and substance abuse by taking the campaign to Hwange.
The campaign drew youths from around the Matabeleland North province.
The girl child was also not forgotten, as the EEG women’s desk, led by its vice-president Sally Njolomole, donated over 5 000 sanitary pads.
EEG president, Mike Chimombe, told H-Metro, their wish is to empower all the country’s young people.
“Young people are the future leaders and it is our duty and obligation as leaders to lead by example,” said Chimombe.
“We came here to Matabeleland North to spread the message and help young people.
“It is very imperative for EEG to catch them young, through these anti-drugs and substance abuse campaigns, if we are to win this war.
“Our women’s desk donated sanitary pads to the girl child in the province.
“We will continue to make a positive impact on the life of the girl child, especially those in the rural areas.”
Chimombe also described a sports event, held as part of the campaign, a success.
A total of 14 teams participated in football, while 10 sides took part in netball.
“The sports tournaments act as a vehicle to drive youths away from engaging in illicit drug and substance abuse.
“We want to give all the youths developmental projects to better their livelihoods as a way of taming the scourge.
“The issue of substance abuse needs a holistic approach.”
Chimombe appealed to parents and guardians to also take the initiative of protecting their children from engaging in drug and substance abuse.
He said the Second Republic has the youths at heart.
“Our President is a listening father who has the youths at heart.
“Everyone has a role to play in making sure that we don’t lose young people to substance abuse,” said Chimombe.
EEG vice-president, Bheki Moyo, said they were the first economic lobby group to start the anti-drug and substance abuse campaign.
Moyo said they kick-started the campaign in Bulawayo and spread their wings to other areas such as Mabvuku, Chitungwiza, Chinhoyi and Hwange.
“We started with a football and netball tournament in Bulawayo which was well attended.
“Some artists from South Africa also graced the occasion,” said Moyo.
“We have noticed that other organisations are joining the drug and substance abuse initiative.
“Basically, we ignited it and started something which has now gone national,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter