Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
AS THE scourge of drug and substance abuse continues to threaten Zimbabwe’s youths, a Bulawayo-based community initiative is turning to traditional childhood games such as nhodo and pada to steer young people away from drugs while promoting peace and social cohesion.
The Games for Peace initiative returns to Emakhandeni Sports Ground on August 15 with organisers targeting young people aged between 18 and 24 years, a group they say has become increasingly vulnerable to drug and substance abuse and other social ills.
Unlike conventional anti-drug campaigns that rely on formal meetings and lectures, the initiative seeks to create a relaxed environment where young people can connect through indigenous games before engaging in discussions on issues affecting their lives.
Games for Peace spokesperson Ms Fundile Nkala said the organisers deliberately expanded this year’s programme after realising that young adults were underrepresented during the 2025 edition.
“We identified a gap in attendance among the 18 to 24 age group, yet this is the demographic that is most affected by social challenges, particularly drug and substance abuse. We wanted to create activities that speak directly to them and encourage them to participate,” she said.
Ms Nkala said traditional games were more than just childhood pastimes, but a vehicle for rebuilding communities and strengthening relationships among young people.
“We wanted to do away with high-level interviews and formal platforms that do not accommodate everyone. Through games, people engage freely. Anyone can walk in — there is no guest list, no restrictions. That is ekasi. That is why we chose Emakhandeni,” she said.
She said games naturally create conversations and friendships, making it easier to discuss sensitive issues such as drug abuse, mental health and peacebuilding.
This year’s edition will see tertiary institutions, including the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Bulawayo Polytechnic, Lupane State University, Hillside Teachers College, United College of Education (UCE), Zimbabwe School of Mines and Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), competing against community teams in traditional games tournaments.
The programme will also feature a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign led by the CID Drugs Unit, which will educate participants on the dangers of drug abuse, prevention strategies, rehabilitation services and the legal consequences of drug-related offences.
Mental health awareness sessions facilitated by Bold Dialogue, morning aerobics, sexual and reproductive health services offered in partnership with the National AIDS Council, a netball match between Makopo Queens and Lobengula Queens, as well as an exhibition football match featuring Highlanders former players against Emakhandeni United, will complete the day’s activities.
Organisers say the event has evolved from a neighbourhood sports gathering into a grassroots movement using Zimbabwe’s rich traditional games to reconnect young people with their communities while encouraging healthy lifestyles and discouraging drug and substance abuse.
The event, which runs from 8AM to 5PM, is free and open to members of the public.
