Bulawayo Bureau
VICE PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has appealed to young people to reject drugs and substance abuse, resist negative peer pressure and embrace sport, education and entrepreneurship as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to build a healthy, skilled and productive generation capable of driving Vision 2030.
Addressing hundreds of youths at the third K.C.D. Mohadi Youth Sports Expo at Maphisa Stadium in Matabeleland South yesterday, VP Mohadi said the fight against drug and substance abuse must be accompanied by deliberate efforts to create opportunities for youth development and economic participation.
The event ran under the theme “Empowering Drug-Free Youths for Vision 2030”.
“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.
VP Mohadi said the Government, families, communities and other stakeholders had a collective responsibility to protect young people from drugs while equipping them with the necessary skills, discipline and opportunities.
The event, which included soccer, netball and a half-marathon, is being used to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
It complements the Government’s broader efforts after President Mnangagwa declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster, prompting a multi-sectoral response involving prevention, law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation.
VP Mohadi commended Matabeleland South’s seven districts — Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Mangwe, Matobo and Umzingwane — for mobilising young people for the games.
“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.
He expressed satisfaction with the diversity of sporting disciplines, saying they provided opportunities for young people with different abilities and interests.
While soccer and netball drew participants from Matabeleland South, the marathon attracted runners from across the country, including elite runners, beginners, community runners and wheelchair racers.
The tournament also formed part of celebrations marking VP Mohadi’s birthday.
He was born on November 15, 1949, in Beitbridge.
VP Mohadi said the success of the expo 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.
Youth empowerment, he added, required balancing protection from harmful substances with opening opportunities for young people to realise their potential.
“We must help young people resist harmful substances while opening pathways to education, employment, enterprise and sporting achievement,” he said.
“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.”
VP 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, and called on districts to ensure sporting activities continued beyond the expo through regular training sessions and competitions supported by drug prevention education and community mentorship.
On inclusivity, VP 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.
“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.
