Binga community tournament unites against drug abuse, early marriage, and gender-based violence
Ibin Munsaka
The Binga community recently held a two-day tournament aimed at raising awareness about drug and substance abuse, early marriage, and gender-based violence.
Sponsored by Susan Kapotwe through the Mama Susan Foundation, the event was held under the theme “Fight Drug Abuse and Child Marriages.” It attracted teams from various wards, as well as participants from the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, fostering cross-border relationships based on shared cultures and traditions.
The tournament featured a range of sports disciplines, including soccer, netball, volleyball, and handball.This initiative sought to educate different target groups, particularly youth, on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. It also aimed to inform married individuals about gender-based violence while addressing early marriage by focusing on young girls as victims and older men as perpetrators.
A police sergeant spoke about the alarming trend of young girls being molested by older men, emphasizing that many do not report these incidents due to fear of victimization. She encouraged community members to report cases of early marriage, stressing the importance of breaking the silence surrounding these issues.
The Binga community embraced the initiative that was done by the Mama Susan Foundation. The community also requested that this event be held annually to disseminate information on drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, and to address the issue of early marriage.
Guest speaker Cecil Kapotwe expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the need for the Binga community to actively disseminate information about drug and substance abuse, early marriage, and gender-based violence. He highlighted the significance of community involvement in reducing these problems, which can hinder the development of a safe and peaceful environment in the district. Mr. Kapotwe also proposed that next year’s tournament include participants with disabilities to ensure inclusivity and combat any feelings of discrimination.
The Mama Susan Foundation marked a significant step in fulfilling Susan Kapotwe’s vision of elevating Binga’s profile through sports. Inspired by the late Dr. Nkululeko Sibanda, whose dedication to sports development resonated deeply within the community, Mrs. Kapotwe has taken his words, “You can’t take Binga to the world, but you can bring the world to Binga,” to heart.
Looking ahead, Mama Susan has ambitious plans for 2025, promising an even larger event that will further spotlight Binga on the national and international stage.
“We aim to bring together teams from across the region, fostering connections and showcasing the incredible talent this region has to offer,” she stated.
As the foundation continues to grow, it remains committed to nurturing young athletes and providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
