Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
MBUSI Dube, a former Plumtree High School teacher now based in the United Kingdom, has thrown his weight behind the fight against drug and substance abuse, urging fellow Zimbabweans in the diaspora to support projects such as sport development initiatives that keep youths and adults away from drugs.
Speaking at Maphisa Growth Point, Matobo District, on Wednesday last week, Dube said it is common for those living abroad to think they no longer have any role back home, yet “there is so much that can be done to help create a healthier and united community from the little one can spare and invest in.”
Through his Eyethu Foundation, Dube returns home about three times a year, each visit marked by campaigns to combat drug abuse, early teenage sex and gender-based violence.
“When these social ills gain an upper hand over society, we all have to swallow the bitter pill of our failures as communities,” Dube said.
“We have a duty to create a better future for the youngsters, teach them positive morals, be prepared to embrace them and correct their mistakes when they get off the rails and make them role models in communities by turning pain to positivity.”
He challenged Zimbabweans everywhere to help fight drug and substance abuse in their rural home areas.
Dube used his own childhood in Matobo to stress the importance of organised sport. He recalled playing football without proper gear at his mission school, sometimes stripping off shirts so one team could be distinguished from the other.
“Growing up, we played on bare skins in sweltering heat,” he said.
“Uniforms make us all look alike, united by team spirit and looking as equals.”
Last week, he sponsored a four-team football tournament at Maphisa, donating four full sets of uniforms to community clubs that are embracing regular sport for recreation, wellness and the chance to catch the eye of professional scouts.
“Sport brings everyone together and the insistence on uniforms brings everyone to one level, burying the notion that there are ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’,” he said after handing over the kits, sourced with help from his Birmingham-based friend, Paul.
The seven-hour event impressed him.
“I was motivated to bring more sporting equipment and help in the development of our youths and communities,” he said.
“To be honest, I was impressed to see a sober crowd watching football and well behaved. Not even a single person carrying a Njengu container. We are happy, sport in the area is being used to combat social ills.”
Local businessman Nothani Jiyane, also supported the tournament, reinforcing the idea that community action can blunt the scourge of drugs and related problems.
Bongani Ndlovu