Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa, Harare Bureau
After successfully hosting a vibrant national camp for girls, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa took the empowerment programme to boys drawn from all the country’s 10 provinces, exposing them to critical life lessons through her traditional gota/nhanga/ixhiba initiative.
It was a lively atmosphere at Matopos National Park as Dr Mnangagwa hosted both boys and girls for eight days amid the scenic, refreshing, and majestic hills.
The First Lady, who was honoured with the name “Mother Zimbabwe” during the maiden girls’ camp, continued to capture hearts with her nurturing teachings, this time directed at boys.
The boys and elderly men testified that Mother Zimbabwe’s immeasurable compassion sweeps across the nation like a gentle tide, embracing even the most vulnerable souls in the farthest, most secluded corners of the land.
To usher in the boys’ camp, which was anchored on Christian values, a church service was held upon their arrival, led by Reverend Matanda of the Presbyterian Church.
Their programme began with early morning aerobics, followed by cleaning their rooms and surroundings, before breakfast was served by Dr Mnangagwa herself. After eating, they washed their dishes.
The boys then took part in a practical gota session where they were taken through practical lessons, being taught how to slaughter and prepare rabbits, including removing fur with hot water.
They were also taught that small intestines, referred to as manzvinzvi, are not cleaned to add flavour and there is no need to add salt.
Some of the boys were also taught by the First Lady how to cut tomatoes, onions, and vegetables before they cooked their rabbits.
After the gota session, the elderly men imparted lessons on discipline, responsibility, and traditional values of manhood, with various topics covered including drug and substance abuse, homosexuality, dangers of watching pornographic material, and indecent dressing.
The boys were also taught life skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and responsibility.
One boy left the crowd in stitches after being asked the dangers of dating when he said: “If you date a girl you may impregnate each other.”
Another also made a follow-up after they were taught to run away from toxic people who introduce them to drugs.
The boy said: “What if the toxic person is my father? Where do I run to?” He was advised to approach other close family members or relatives who would assist.
During the teachings, one elder warned the boys against copying foreign cultures that go against tradition, stressing that homosexuality and certain fashions like men wearing earrings are not only un-African but also destructive to their identity.
“My sons, you must never lose your roots. Homosexuality and the fashion of boys piercing ears are practices that erode our dignity as men. Remain true to your culture and carry yourselves with pride,” he said.
Another elder warned that the abuse of cellphones is exposing boys to pornography, which corrupts their minds, weakens focus, and leads them into immoral behaviour that can ruin their future.
“My children, these cellphones you carry are good tools when used wisely, but abusing them is what is driving many of you into watching pornography. That filth destroys your mind, kills discipline, and pushes you into sinful behaviour. Use your phone for knowledge, not for shame,” he said.
The boys were also told to stay away from drugs and intoxicating substances, with the elder emphasising that these not only ruin health but also destroy families and futures.
“Drugs may give you a false sense of pleasure for a moment, but they will kill your body, scatter your family, and bury your dreams. A real man faces life sober, with a clear mind,” said the elder.
Another elder urged the boys to dress decently, condemning the habit of sagging trousers, which he said reflects laziness, rebellion, and lack of self-respect.
“A man must always respect himself, and part of that respect is shown in how you dress. When you drop your trousers, you are dropping your dignity. Walk tall, dress properly, and command respect,” he said.
One of the elders reminded the boys that manhood is measured by discipline and responsibility. He taught them that true men work hard and live with integrity.
“Being a man is not about age but about discipline. You must be responsible and work hard. That is the true mark of manhood.”
Afterwards, competitions in poetry and speech were also held, where confidence, creativity, and self-expression were the order of the day.
The First Lady, now referred as Mother Zimbabwe, then gave them some words of wisdom, saying she was happy that the boys came to learn, listening attentively and asking questions.
“You came to an environment that is quiet and conducive for learning. When you leave this place, go and teach others what you have learnt here. You did not come here by chance but with a purpose to learn.
“Boys, you are the future leaders of this country, but that only happens when you are disciplined. Work hard in school,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also warned against the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“Shun drugs, they are death in themselves. If your brain is dead, you are already dead. I do not want to hear that you have dropped out of school because of drugs.
“You saw through the edutainment by Iyasa the negative effects of drug abuse. When you return home, go and tell your peers to stop using drugs immediately,” she said.
The First Lady said those who came are now her ambassadors, who will go and teach others back home.
“Have respect for your siblings, parents, teachers, and your community. I want you to be transformed into good boys,” she said.
Mother Zimbabwe also warned the boys against engaging in relationships or girlfriends at this stage.
The event also featured a powerful edutainment by IYASA, dramatizing the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
To spice up the day, Wildlife Ambassador Dr Mnangagwa gave the boys an opportunity to tour Matopos National Park, visiting the Pomongwe Cave, viewing several wildlife animals including rhinos, and going to Tshabalala Game Sanctuary where they viewed lions.
The gota/nhanga/ixhiba initiative, which the First Lady is rolling out nationwide, is part of her broader mission to curb moral decay among the youth and build a generation of responsible, disciplined leaders.
