Nqobile Bhebhe in Maphisa
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has appealed to Zimbabwean youths to reject drugs and substance abuse, resist negative peer pressure and embrace sport, education and entrepreneurship as the country intensifies efforts to build a healthy, skilled and productive generation capable of driving Vision 2030.
Addressing hundreds of young people, at Maphisa Stadium in Matabeleland South yesterday, at the third edition of the Dr K.C.D. Mohadi Youth Sports Expo, running under the theme, “Empowering Drug-Free Youths for Vision 2030”, Vice-President Mohadi said the fight against drug and substance abuse must be accompanied by deliberate efforts to create opportunities for youth development and economic participation.
“This theme places a clear responsibility upon all of us: to protect our young people from drugs and substance abuse while equipping them with the skills, discipline and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He said young people must protect their health and future by making responsible choices, seeking guidance when confronted with challenges and supporting one another against substance abuse.
Vice-President Mohadi said the theme placed a collective responsibility on the Government, families, communities and other stakeholders to protect young people from drugs while equipping them with the necessary skills, discipline and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Beyond the sporting competitions, the event is being used to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and substance abuse, which remains a major concern among young people and a threat to the country’s social and economic development.
The initiative complements Government’s broader efforts to address the problem after President Mnangagwa declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster, prompting a multi-sectoral response involving prevention, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation.
Zimbabwe has also strengthened its legislative framework to deal with drug-related offences, with several laws providing for the control of dangerous substances and prosecution of offenders.
He commended the province’s seven districts for mobilising young people to participate in the sporting activities.
“I commend Matabeleland South’s seven districts Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Mangwe, Matobo and Umzingwane for mobilising young people for these games. I also appreciate our organisers, sponsors, schools, coaches, parents and volunteers for making this programme possible,” he said.
Vice-President Mohadi expressed satisfaction with the diversity of sporting disciplines, which included soccer, netball and a half-marathon, saying the activities provided opportunities for young people with different abilities and interests to participate.
He said while soccer and netball drew participants from Matabeleland South, the marathon attracted runners from across the country.
“I am equally impressed with the representation of sporting codes today which include soccer, netball and a half-marathon. Whilst soccer and netball are specific to Matabeleland South province, the marathon has drawn participation from all four corners of the country comprising elite runners, beginners, community runners and wheelchair racers, indeed ‘leaving no one and no place behind’.
Well done to the organizers,” he said.
The tournament also formed part of celebrations marking the birthday of VP Mohadi, who was born on November 15, 1949, in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South.
Through sporting activities, organisers are seeking to encourage youths to channel their energy into productive pursuits, develop their abilities and participate meaningfully in community development.
They said sport provides an important platform for youth engagement, offering alternatives to harmful social activities while fostering discipline, teamwork, physical fitness and a sense of belonging.
He described the third edition of the expo as an important milestone, saying its success should be measured beyond the sporting competitions and the number of participants.
“This tournament provides a platform for young people to demonstrate their abilities, build friendships across districts and learn the value of teamwork, perseverance and respect.
“Its greatest value must be seen in the lives it helps to shape: the young person who gains confidence, the athlete whose talent receives recognition and the participant who finds encouragement to pursue a healthier and more productive future,” he said.
Vice-President Mohadi said youth empowerment under Vision 2030 required a balance between protecting young people from harmful substances and opening opportunities for them to realise their potential.
“Our theme, ‘Empowering Drug-Free Youths for Vision 2030,’ reminds us that youth empowerment requires both protection and opportunity.
“We must help young people resist harmful substances while opening pathways to education, employment, enterprise, and sporting achievement,” he said.
He said the country’s ambition of attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030 depended on healthy, skilled, innovative and responsible citizens.
The young people participating in the expo, he said, had an important role to play in different sectors of the economy, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, mining, professional services and community leadership.
He urged young people to take responsibility for their choices and avoid influences that could undermine their health, education and future prospects.
“To our young people, I say: your health, your abilities, and your future deserve protection. Reject drugs and substance abuse. Resist harmful peer pressure. Seek guidance when you face difficulties, and support your peers to make responsible choices,” he said.
However, Vice-President Mohadi said young people already struggling with substance use should not be abandoned, but helped to access treatment and rehabilitation services.
“We must offer support and access to treatment and rehabilitation. Families and communities have a duty to help young people recover and rebuild their lives with dignity,” he said.
He said sport provided an effective platform for engaging young people, building confidence and instilling discipline, but its impact should be strengthened through mentorship, life-skills education, counselling and practical economic opportunities.
For Matabeleland South, he said, the programme should also expose young people to economic opportunities in agriculture, livestock production, tourism, mining and other enterprises.
He urged sporting associations, schools, clubs and sponsors to identify promising participants and support them through coaching, mentorship and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
He also called on districts to ensure that sporting activities continued beyond the expo through regular training sessions and competitions supported by drug prevention education and community mentorship.
On inclusivity, Vice-President Mohadi said girls and young women should have fair access to sporting equipment, facilities, coaching and recognition, adding that young people with disabilities should also be provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in sporting activities.
“By the next edition, we should be able to report how this programme has helped young people progress in sport, training, enterprise and healthy living,” he said.
