Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere and Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Government has directed local authorities to allocate seven percent of their revenue towards sport and recreation, in a move aimed at reviving dilapidated facilities and curbing the growing scourge of drug abuse, among young people.
Nicholas Moyo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, made the announcement during an all-stakeholders meeting attended by delegates from five provinces—Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Midlands.
“All councils are now mandated to use seven percent of their budgets on sport and recreation. I hope this will improve facilities and play a role in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” said Moyo.
Bulawayo City Council has already confirmed that it will channel its allocation towards rehabilitating recreational facilities, with a clear focus on addressing drug abuse.
Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, speaking at the funeral of the late former Warriors and Chicken Inn striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro on Sunday, said the 2025 budget has been ring-fenced with sport in mind.
“Ndoro managed his life well. I’m happy he was not into drugs and substance abuse, which is affecting our youths today. He will be remembered by millions at a time we are fighting drug and substance abuse, which he did not engage in. As Bulawayo City Council, we appreciate the role the late Ndoro played in inspiring the young ones.
“We also recognise the power of sport in uplifting youths. In our 2025 budget, we resolved that seven percent will go to the rehabilitation of sporting facilities as part of our fight against drug and substance abuse. Sport is no longer just entertainment but a career that can pay well.
The likes of Sadio Mané and Lionel Messi have shown what football can do. We also acknowledge the role churches play in grooming the youths, just as Guta RaMwari helped nurture Ndoro,”said Ndlovu.
Bulawayo’s sporting infrastructure has suffered years of neglect, with community centres and swimming pools in suburbs such as Sizinda, Tshabalala, Luveve, Lobengula, and Mzilikazi falling into disrepair. The council previously supported provincial associations through grants, which promoted both recreation and competitive sport, but those efforts have dwindled over time.
With this new directive and budgetary shift, there is renewed hope that the city can restore its facilities, revive clubs and associations and breathe life back into grassroots sport.
