Lupane tackles social ills through sports
Thembelihle Mhalnga
Yesterday, the National AIDS Council (NAC) teamed up with the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Recreation to host a unique event at Somhlolo Stadium in Lupane: a Health and Wellness Day that combined sports with crucial discussions about drug abuse and gender-based violence within the community.
“A lot of people really enjoy sporting activities,” explained Lupane District AIDS Coordinator Phathumusa Yvette Sibanda, “and when young people are occupied with sports, they are less likely to indulge in drug abuse and illicit sexual behavior.”
Sibanda’s sentiments were echoed by District Youth Development Officer Alternate Muzamba, who highlighted the unifying power of sports. “Sports have this incredible ability to bring people from all walks of life together,” Muzamba noted. “It’s the perfect platform to address important issues like drug use and gender-based violence.”
Patience Ngwenya, a youth activist and student at Lupane State University, emphasized the importance of keeping young people engaged and active. “When youths are idle, that’s when they are most vulnerable to taking drugs and alcohol, which can then lead to gender-based violence and casual sexual encounters,” she explained.
The Health and Wellness Day offered a winning combination of activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles and positive community engagement. In addition to HIV testing and screenings for non-communicable diseases, the event also included competitive sporting events such as soccer for both men and women, netball, and volleyball.
“Having these sports tournaments is crucial because it gets people excited and invested in the event,” Sibanda said. “And while they’re having fun and being physically active, we can also use that platform to educate them on the dangers of drug abuse and gender-based violence.”
Muzamba echoed this sentiment, noting that the combination of sports, health screenings, and awareness-raising discussions created a well-rounded event. “We want to show young people that there are so many positive ways they can spend their time and energy,” he said. “Sports and physical activity are not only enjoyable, but they can also serve as a protective factor against harmful behaviors.”
Ngwenya, the youth activist, expressed her hope that events like the Health and Wellness Day will become more common in communities across Zimbabwe. “Too often, young people feel like they don’t have outlets or support systems,” she said. “But when we come together like this, with a focus on health, wellness, and community, it sends a powerful message that there are alternatives to drug use and gender-based violence.”
Overall, the Health and Wellness Day in Lupane was hailed as a resounding success, with organizers and participants alike praising the event’s ability to address critical issues while also promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. As Sibanda put it, “When we can use something as fun and engaging as sports to tackle serious problems, that’s when we know we’re on the right track.”
