Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE fight against drug and substance abuse in Nyaminyami District has received a major boost, with traditional leaders, Government departments, conservation organisations and community stakeholders using sport to educate young people while promoting wildlife conservation.
Held under the theme, “One Goal, One Future: No to Drugs, Protecting Our Wildlife”, the annual Nyaminyami Community Sports and Recreation Club (NCSRC) Tournament has become a platform for raising awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and the importance of protecting wildlife from poaching.
More than 15 football and netball teams participated in the three-day tournament at Sampakaruma High School, which concluded on Sunday.
The event drew youths from across the district, Government officials, traditional leaders led by Chief Msampakaruma, development partners and wildlife conservation organisations in collaboration with the Provincial Interministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse.
Bordering Matusadona National Park, Nyaminyami is home to Zimbabwe’s renowned Big Five and numerous other wildlife species, making conservation a key pillar of the district’s tourism and local economy.
Speaking at the official opening, Chief Msampakaruma said sport had become an effective vehicle for mobilising communities to confront the twin challenges of drug abuse and wildlife poaching.
He said the initiative complements the district’s recently launched land-use plan, which promotes sustainable natural resource management while improving livelihoods.
“Poaching is contributing to increased cases of drug abuse because it provides income that is often used to purchase drugs,” said Chief Msampakaruma.
“At the same time, people under the influence of drugs recklessly venture into dangerous wildlife areas, putting their lives at risk.”
He expressed concern over reports that some youths were illegally hunting animals such as kudus, buffaloes, wild pigs and even elephants, with proceeds from the sale of game meat allegedly financing drug purchases.
“As custodians of both the land and the people, we have a responsibility to protect our environment while guiding our young people. Poaching destroys our wildlife heritage, while drug abuse is destroying our future leaders,” he said.
Matusadona Conservation Trust Community Development Officer, Mr Gilbert Mugwagwa, said the campaign comes at an important time, following the successful reintroduction of black rhinos into Matusadona National Park.
“We recently reintroduced black rhinos into the park, meaning Matusadona is now home to the Big Five again,” he said.
“The future of these animals depends on peaceful coexistence between wildlife and surrounding communities.
“If our youths understand the dangers of poaching and drug abuse, they will become custodians of our wildlife rather than threats to it.”
Rengwe Conservancy Operations Director, Mr Blessing Masango, whose organisation sponsored the tournament, said protecting young people from drug abuse was essential to safeguarding the environment.
“Sanyati and Rengwe rivers are under increasing threat from illegal alluvial mining. The resulting siltation causes rivers to dry up more quickly, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict as animals move into communities in search of food and water,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Marian Chombo, who officiated at the tournament on Saturday, commended the initiative, describing it as an innovative model that addresses two critical challenges simultaneously.
“These tournaments are not only identifying sporting talent but are also raising awareness on drug and substance abuse and wildlife conservation,” she said.
“Protecting our wildlife and environment brings economic benefits to communities through tourism and sustainable development.
“As a province, we have intensified the fight against drug and substance abuse through outreach programmes in all districts, and I applaud the Nyaminyami community for raising the bar in tackling both drug abuse and poaching.”
Mashonaland West Provincial Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Director Mr Reward Shockson, who is a member of the Provincial Interministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, also took the opportunity to educate primary and secondary school learners on First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Nhanga/Gota programme.
The programme seeks to instil discipline, Ubuntu, moral values and Zimbabwean cultural norms among children and young people as part of efforts to mould responsible citizens.
The Nyaminyami Community Sports and Recreation Club tournament has been held annually since 2016 to unite Government departments, conservation organisations, development partners and local communities in combating wildlife poaching.
Recognising the growing impact of drug and substance abuse in rural communities, organisers expanded the programme in 2024 to include anti-drug awareness campaigns.
Participants welcomed the initiative, saying it had broadened their understanding of the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage.
Soccer player, Tanaka Siyajamba and netball player Samantha Mawadze, said the tournament had equipped them with valuable knowledge on the harmful effects of drugs while inspiring them to become ambassadors for wildlife conservation within their communities.
