Cycling for change, Meli Ndlovu tackles 72 hour journey to fight drug abuse
Kelvin Kutinyo
Popular South Africa based cyclist Meli Ndlovu is set to embark on a grueling 72 hour journey from Johannesburg to Bulawayo in a bid to campaign against the rampant abuse of drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The awareness campaign dubbed “Drug free world”, has been scheduled to commence on the 18th of December 2024 from Midrands in South Africa arriving in Bulawayo on 20 December 2024, covering a hovering distance of 865km by bicycle.
Speaking during an interview Mr Meli Ndlovu, the cyclist, said these campaigns seek to bring insight to youths about the unknown dangers of abusing drugs.
“The main motive about drug awareness campaign is that our children know nothing about drugs, we must teach them and tell them about dangers before they use substances. We encourage drug addicts to visit the nearest rehabilitation center before they ruin their lives”.
“To get rid of illegal drugs in the streets we have to work together as a community, by engaging local leaders, and law enforcers, and to build more rehabilitation centres and also naming and shaming the drug lords”, said Mr Ndlovu.
Illegal drug abuse is a mounting challenge in modern Zimbabwe, with various substances being abused and causing harm to individuals, families, and communities. He added that some challenges such as resistance are inevitable from drug peddlers and users.
“I face big challenges especially when trying to discourage the abuse of drugs, if you confront people who sell drugs to the community because they do for business, most of them insult me”, he said.
Nkomwa Trust Foundation director, Mr Pick Nkomwa, from Gwanda revealed that stakeholders and community leaders need to come together and overcome such a pandemic.
“Drug and substance abuse is now an enemy of everyone. There is need for a collective and holistic approach in curbing this problem amidst us. I further suggest that resource mobilisation should be intensified and increase rehabilitation centres in every district. Stiffer penalties to perpetrators should be employed and awareness campaigns especially to marginalised groups like persons with disabilities should be increased”, said Mr Nkomwa.
Upon arrival in Bulawayo, renowned anti addiction advocate and inspiring leader, Meli Ndlovu will proceed to spearhead the Matobo community’s participation in the highly anticipated Kezi-Maphosa Cycling Race on 27 December 2024.
The event is proudly supported by Nkolozi Investment and Bayethe community radio.The cyclist will also embark in an extra ordinary feat, tackling one of the most demanding journeys in cycling with an epic 10 000km ride from Capetown to Cairo in Egypt with his incredible endurance challenge.
“The journey is about a healthy life. We encourage everyone else to keep fit, exercise regularly, eat healthy and drink healthy to prevent different types of diseases,” he said.
Ndlovu highlighted that he needs support in his journey which could include an escort, 3 bicycles and prayers.
