Online Reporter
Stanford Chiwanga, Quality Editor
THE fight against drug abuse in Zimbabwe is moving from rhetoric to action, thanks to innovative approaches that seek to engage young people meaningfully. At the forefront of this movement is Tafadzwa Muronzwa, a Bulawayo-based youth advocate who is using gaming hubs as a tool to steer young people away from drugs and towards positive social interaction.
Muronzwa’s initiative, which includes the establishment of competitive gaming centres, is part of a broader strategy to provide safe spaces for youths while promoting mental wellness and community engagement.
His efforts come at a time when drug abuse among young people has become a national concern, with communities grappling with its devastating social and economic consequences.
“We realised that simply talking about drugs was not enough,” Muronzwa said.
“Young people need alternatives that excite them and keep them engaged. Gaming is one of those alternatives — it’s competitive, social, and offers a sense of belonging.”
In December, Bulawayo will host a landmark eSports event — a PlayStation 5 tournament featuring popular titles such as Fifa and Mortal Kombat. The event, initiated by Muronzwa, aims to energise Zimbabwe’s emerging eSports scene while creating a structured platform for youth engagement.
The tournament will follow a knockout format, with strict measures to ensure fair play, including independent officiation and anti-cheating protocols.
Winners will walk away with cash prizes and gaming gear, but Muronzwa insists the real victory lies in changing perceptions.
“Gaming is more than entertainment — it can be a career path and a community builder. If we can show young people that there are opportunities beyond drugs, we can start to break the cycle.”
Muronzwa’s vision extends beyond gaming hubs. His organisation is rolling out several complementary initiatives designed to tackle drug abuse from multiple angles.
One of the key interventions is the creation of confidential support channels.
Through a dedicated WhatsApp group managed by qualified counsellors, individuals affected by drugs — whether directly or indirectly — can share experiences and seek help discreetly. This approach is particularly aimed at reaching those who are shy or fearful of stigma, ensuring that no one suffers in silence.
Another important component is awareness sessions for parents, teachers, and community leaders. These workshops will equip participants with the skills to recognise signs of drug use, such as slurred speech, paranoia, slow reactions, and risky behaviour. Early detection can play a crucial role in limiting abuse and encouraging timely intervention.
Muronzwa also plans to make prevention personal through testimonies from survivors. School awareness campaigns will feature individuals who have battled drug addiction or suffered its consequences.
By sharing real-life stories, the initiative seeks to create a deeper emotional impact than traditional lectures, helping young people understand the real dangers of substance abuse.
“When young people hear from someone who has lived through the pain of addiction, it hits home. We want to make prevention personal and relatable,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s eSports sector remains largely underdeveloped, hampered by limited investment and low public awareness. Muronzwa hopes that initiatives such as the upcoming Bulawayo tournament will not only help curb drug abuse among young people but also position gaming as a legitimate sport and a viable economic opportunity.
Globally, competitive gaming is already a multi-million-dollar industry. At the 2025 EA Sports FC World Championship, ManuBachoore claimed victory and walked away with a share of the US$1,5 million prize pool, including $250 000 in prize money. The tournament, staged at the Esports World Cup, featured a split prize pool and saw the top eight players advance to the knockout rounds, underscoring the scale and professionalism of international eSports.
To make the December tournament and the broader youth initiatives a success, Muronzwa is appealing for sponsorship from businesses and organizations willing to invest in youth development and social change.
He emphasised that supporting this movement is an investment in Zimbabwe’s future.
“This event is about more than gaming — it’s about saving lives and creating opportunities. With the right support, we can turn this into a platform that inspires young people and keeps them away from drugs,” he said.
