Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Tsholotsho
THE Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter-denominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) is hosting its annual youth games competitions in Tsholotsho District, Matabeleland North Province, with seven provinces participating in three sporting disciplines.
The participating provinces are Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo, Harare, Mashonaland West, Manicaland and hosts Matabeleland North.
Chaired by Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe, the annual event seeks to combat drug and substance abuse among youths through sport and social engagement.
Speaking in an interview at Tsholotsho High School, one of the two venues being used, Matabeleland North ZIICC secretary-general Mr Mncedisi Dube said the competitions feature netball, volleyball and soccer for both boys and girls.
“The main objective of the programme is to bring youths from across the country together as we fight drugs and substance abuse. We want to use sport to totally eradicate this scourge,” said Mr Dube.
He said churches across Zimbabwe were declaring war on drug and substance abuse.
“The idea is to bring young people together and preach the gospel about the dangers of abusing drugs. As we pray, we must also come up with activities that unite our youths and give us the opportunity to highlight the dangers of engaging in these illicit activities,” he said.
Earlier this morning, participants took part in an anti-drug and substance abuse march around the Tsholotsho business centre. The march was also attended by Tsholotsho North legislator and Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Mr Musa Ncube.
Also in attendance at the games is ZIICC national secretary-general Mr Thabani Dube.
ZIICC was formed to represent indigenous churches, most of which were established during the colonial era. Like leaders of indigenous nationalist political parties, many church leaders were persecuted by the colonial regime, which restricted them from worshipping openly or establishing their own schools.
The formation of the council was motivated by the absence of a body that could represent indigenous churches, whose views often differed from those of Western-oriented mainline churches that traditionally spoke on behalf of all churches.
His Grace Bishop Reverend Nehemiah Mutendi is the ZIICC patron.
