Ncube hands over US$250k to Team Midlands

THE Midlands Province has mobilised US$250 000 to support Team Midlands at the 2026 National Youth Games in Marondera, with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Hon Owen Ncube saying deliberate investment in youth is critical to achieving Vision 2030.

The donation was officially handed over by Minister Ncube on behalf of the Midlands Provincial Development Committee, with funds mobilised by Vongaishe Mupereri, the committee chairman, the patriotic business community, development partners and individuals.

“This massive support demonstrates the province’s resolve as a leading local resource mobilisation community,” Minister Ncube said.

“The funds will go towards transport, equipment, accommodation and other essential requirements for Team Midlands in line with NDS2 Pillar on Job Creation, Youth Development, Creative Industry, Sport and Culture.”

Former Mbizo Constituency legislator and Zanu-PF stalwart Mupereri, who led the fundraising drive, said his heart bleeds for youths to abandon drugs and focus on education and sport.

“I saw it as very important to raise the money needed for the Midlands team Youth Games participation in Marondera. If we don’t assist children to engage in sport that’s when they start being involved in drug and substance abuse in the street,” Mupereri said.

“From way back, my desire is to see youth prosper in life, and the help I can give to youth through my help is involvement in sports, for youths to stay away from drugs, concentrate on their education. I will make sure they get all the resources needed for their sporting activities.”

Mupereri said the fundraising will not stop there, noting he has also run sporting competitions, including on his birthday, 29 May, in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
He urged Team Midlands to bring glory to the province.

“Come back with the medals so that we will have the energy to continue fundraising for future competitions. As the Midlands team, you will have the best accommodation, food and the safest travel with your sporting regalia in place. What is left is for you to win at the games,” he said.

Minister Ncube commended President Mnangagwa for creating “robust institutional and regulatory frameworks” to advance sports, arts, recreation and culture, including state-of-the-art sports infrastructure across the country.

He warned that when youth sporting programmes decline, young people turn to drugs and said the province was now taking decisive action.

“To Team Midlands who are here, I encourage you to compete with discipline and determination and abstain from drug and substance abuse during your tour in Marondera. Be ambassadors of Midlands Province by demonstrating good sportsmanship both on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Remember that your participation is not only about winning medals but also about building character, fostering friendship and promoting national unity.”

The Minister directed that the US$250 000 mobilised in cash be deposited into the bank for safety, and said his office will follow up to ensure accountability and transparency.

The National Youth Games are an annual event and bring together young athletes from all 10 provinces to compete across various sporting codes.