Online Reporter
Youths in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, have praised the Government’s ongoing efforts to empower them, stimulate rural development and combat the growing threat of drug and substance abuse.
The fight against drug abuse in Makoni West constituency has entered a new phase. Area legislator and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has introduced several interventions aimed at raising awareness and promoting community action against the scourge.
On Saturday, Dr Muswere hosted a sports tournament focusing on anti-drug abuse, targeting youths, who are the most affected by this issue.
“The programme spearheaded by Cde Muswere has brought a lot of excitement as it helps fight drug and substance abuse. He has also led several empowerment initiatives,” said a community member.
“We want to thank our legislator, Cde Muswere, for organising this tournament. It is a great opportunity for us. We are happy to have received funding to start projects, and we are highly appreciative.”
Another community member expressed gratitude for the support: “We thank Honourable Muswere for leading empowerment programmes to help us shun drug and substance abuse.”
Local leadership commended Dr Muswere for his hands-on approach in transforming rural livelihoods through income-generating projects.
“We were given computers, books, chicks and pigs under community support and empowerment programmes. The projects are thriving, and our pig population has increased to 52. We appreciate Cde Muswere for launching a programme to combat drug and substance abuse, which is positively impacting our community,” said another member.
Dr Muswere, who distributed chicks and feed during the tournament as part of the broader economic empowerment programme, stated that the tournament was not just about sport but also a platform to engage youths on development and empowerment issues.
“The programme we launched to fight drug and substance abuse is now fully implemented. This gathering allows you to meet your party district chairpersons and your legislator to discuss developmental issues,” he said.
“We have nine wards in our constituency, and for this round, we are giving each ward US$1 500, totalling US$13 500. The winner of the tournament will receive US$5,000, and the two runners-up will receive US$1 000 each. This means US$20 000 will go towards prize money.”
The gatherings have also served as an opportunity for the legislator to provide feedback on resolutions from the ZANU PF National People’s Conference, including the resolution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030.
“The ZANU PF National Conference held in Mutare recently passed several resolutions aimed at developing the country. Some include the need for more universities, the construction of dams like Gwai-Shangani, and a review of taxi fares.
“The most important resolution is Resolution Number 1, which endorses President Mnangagwa’s leadership through to 2030 in recognition of his significant developmental work,” Dr Muswere explained.
As the tournament moves to ward level and more empowerment initiatives roll out, Makoni West is fast becoming a model for youth engagement and rural transformation under the Second Republic. — ZBC News/Zimpapers Reporter
