Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Chief Msampakaruma-organised sports gala lived to its billing recently, with stakeholders lauding the initiative as a way to end the unwarranted killing of protected animals and the scourge of drug abuse in Kariba rural.
The Nyaminyami Community Sports and Recreation Club (2025) Tournament (NCSRC) was held at Msampakaruma Business Centre last week, where the ruling party, Zanu PF provincial youth league and players in the conservancy called for an end to the scourge.
Nyaminyami borders Masutadonha National Park, home to Zimbabwe’s big five and other wild animals.
Community members commended the initiative in addressing the rising scourge in the country.
“Our Chief has done a noble thing by organising this platform, which brings the community together, including stakeholders in environmental conservation, to discuss pressing issues,” said Mr Edmore Mupepe, a community member.
“Poaching is also contributing to increased cases of drug abuse as it becomes the source of income to buy drugs, while those on drugs are also carelessly moving and engaging in dangerous wildlife-prone areas.
ZANU PF youth leadership used the platform to engage youths on pressing community concerns while promoting skills training and empowerment.
They assured the youths in the area of the Zanu PF-led government to obtain fishing permits.
“As the national youth executive, we have also been tasked to move around the country and see how we can tailor-made solutions for specific communities,” said Cde Shepherd Marime, ZANU-PF Central Committee Member and National Youth League Secretary for Education.
“We are moving with the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind. Youths should be empowered to avoid getting sucked into social vices.”
Provincial Youth League Chairperson, Cde Tapiwa Masenda, said the youth leadership was working with traditional leaders to ensure that youths are not left behind in matters of development.
“The fight against drugs and environmental crimes begins with awareness is everyone’s call,” he said.
Chief Msampakaruma mobilised the local community in a campaign against poaching and drug abuse, aligning his efforts with the district’s newly launched land use plan.
This was amid indications that youths in the area are involved in the poaching of wild animals such as kudus, buffaloes, wild pigs and even elephants for game meat to buy drugs
“As custodians of both the land and the people, we have to ensure that our environment is protected, and our youth are guided. Poaching destroys our wildlife heritage, and drug abuse is destroying our future leaders,” Chief Msampakaruma said.
The campaign has been ongoing since 2016, where the Government departments, development partners and players in conservancy have worked hand-in-glove with the traditional leader to look for lasting solutions to the problems.
The event was running under the theme: “Sober Youths Enjoy Sporting Not Poaching”
Online Reporter