EDWIN MOYO
GWERU- The youth for peace tournament between political parties, (ZANU PF), CCC and MDC T with the aim of promoting unity and peace among the youth in the Midlands Province was held last week.
The tournament was hosted by Nkabazwe Community Radio Station (NCRS) in partnership with Ebenezer Trust and the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture.
Speaking at onset of the game, Zanu PF Midlands Province Secretary for Environment and Tourism, Angeline Javedhu said the tournament was key in uniting the youths as Zanu PF was at the forefront of preaching peace and unity in the country.
Javedhu said, “the youth are an integral part of development as ZANU PF is moving with the mantra “Nyika invakwa nevene vayo” meaning “The Nation is built by its own Citizens” so youth are also part of the group which is moving with the rest of the nation in development.
“We are happy about this initiative, where we are saying the issue of unity is very important, we as ZANU PF we are for peace and we stand for peace as our President is for peace.
“So, we wish to have this sport for peace event as an annual event,” she added.
Mkoba South MP and CCC youth leader, John Kuka, said the ‘Youth 4Peace Tournament ‘was crucial for young people to be at the forefront of pushing peace building initiatives.
He added that the issue of drugs was a thorn in the flesh as kids as young as 12 are struggling with drugs and substance in the community.
“We are very grateful that we are working as one although we are coming from different political parties. We want youths to be united. Of late the issue of mutoriro and guka has affected our young people in a big way.
“Thank you for hosting such an event trust me it has gone a long way in uniting the youths in Mkoba.” he said.
One of the events planners, Ebenezzar Women Trust Organization, Florence Guzha expressed grateful on how the tournament was a success and was held to commemorate the late Nkabazwe Director and Youth Advocate, Tobias Saratiel who was also the founder of the project. Saratiel passed on last year in Gweru after a short illness.
“The political parties participated and this reflected the unity of purpose among young people.
‘’The political situation of our country is greatly changing and this just shows that as a people despite our political standing we can join hands and be one in building the nation.
“If you recall last year, we gathered to remove old posters in the street and we did this initiative together with the late Director of Nkabazwe Community Radio, Tobias Saratiel together with Ebenezzar, we are glad it was a success as both the District Development Coordinator, Tarisai Mudadigwa and Mayor of Gweru, Martin Chivhoko supported this initiative.
“Going forward now we pray and hope that this football tourney will now grow into an annual event as we continue to unite our political players towards the development of the nation. we are one people, when we are together, we don’t belong to Zanu PF, CCC or MDC T, we belong to Zimbabwe” he added.
The three teams were awarded with three similar peace trophies as a symbol of harmony and tolerance.
