By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has called on young people to reject drug and substance abuse, saying sport, arts and culture can play a key role in building disciplined, productive communities and supporting Zimbabwe’s development goals.
In a speech, read on his behalf by Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mpungu at the closing ceremony of the 30th Kwekwe City Sports, Arts and Culture Festival at Mbizo Stadium, Ncube said the event’s theme, “Youth United Against Drugs: Sports, Arts and Culture for a Brighter 2030,” complemented the government’s efforts to eliminate drug and substance abuse.
He said the campaign was guided by the National Drug and Substance Abuse Elimination Plan of Action launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2025.
Ncube described Kwekwe as one of the country’s drug abuse hotspots, noting that authorities had dismantled several drug bases while cases involving learners had also been reported.
He said sporting and cultural activities offered young people positive alternatives by promoting discipline, teamwork, resilience and entrepreneurship.
“By engaging in sports, young people develop skills and embrace values of discipline, teamwork, resilience and entrepreneurship. Sports build character, promote social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging,” he said.
Ncube added that beyond improving physical fitness and mental well-being, sport helps instil positive attitudes towards work and strengthens national unity.
He said the festival also supported the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which identifies youth development, job creation, creative industries, sport and culture as important contributors to economic growth.
The minister commended the organisers for staging the annual festival, which featured competitions in football, netball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, handball, marathon, chess, darts and traditional dance.
He also highlighted government investments in sports and recreation infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of the National Sports Stadium, construction of the Victoria Falls Cricket Stadium, development of provincial stadiums, the Kwekwe Sports Arena and Chahwanda Stadium, among other projects.
Ncube said such investments, together with public-private partnerships, were intended to nurture talent, expand opportunities for young people and transform the sports, arts and culture sectors into significant contributors to the national economy.
