mbulelo smpofu
Lovemore Dube
A Zimbabwean based in the United Kingdom Mbusi Dube, a social worker, has joined forces with locals to fight drug and substance abuse through an action-packed programme at the Highlanders Clubhouse on Saturday.
Through a network of friends and organisations abroad, Dube has over the past decade been sourcing sports equipment and donating to basketball and football clubs in Bulawayo and Matabeleland South.
Dube through the Bango Tournament, which is short for Bulawayo Against Njengu and Gender Based Violence Organisation says drugs and substance abuse have no place in society.
“We have to kick it out, it’s got no place in society, it has destroyed many promising talents and youngsters. Men and women have been maimed as well because of abuse of drugs and substance abuse.
“As residents and citizens, let us take a stand and save our communities. They certainly deserve better, but it takes a collaborative effort to nip it in the bud,” said Dube who is on holiday in Zimbabwe.
He said as a social worker abroad and having taught in Zimbabwe for close to 20 years, youths are a group of people close to his heart. He said all the energies must be concentrated on saving them from the scourge.
“I now work as a social worker in the UK having taught here for close to 20 years. Youths are at a very special place in my heart and life. I always want to see them doing better and it is us the community to shape them into the future we want. We do not want a nation wasted by drugs. Let us stand up together and fight the scourge,” said Dube.
He said Saturday’s event will have soccer as the main attraction but several organisations including ZRP will be there to talk about life skills.
“I have always looked at sport as a unifier and something loved by the highest number of people in our societies. So, with my friends, we decided to have our own tournaments where the theme is all about keeping Bulawayo drug and substance-free. We have to talk, sing about it and make as much noise to keep our communities free from these social ills.
“It’s a community response to a worrying trend and disaster across the city. Young people and now adults too are being lost to drug and substance abuse and njengu at an alarming rate. Families are breaking down. The social cost is huge and potentially irreparable. We are inviting the whole community to stand up and do something. Social soccer is a great vehicle to rally people around and send the message through. We hope to do this every year. But also in between, we hope to replicate it in the wards,” said Dube.
Taking part in the football tournament will be Amavevane, Zitha, Izinsizwa, ZRP Bulawayo, Highlanders Royals and Bulawayo Lawyers.
