Hon. Lt. General Rtd. Sanyatwe Calls for United Front Against Drug Abuse at TINMAC Foundation Tournament Finals

Hwedza – The normally quiet community of Chigodora in Hwedza District came alive this weekend as thousands gathered for the grand finale of the 7th Edition of the TINMAC Foundation Sports Tournament, a high-energy event that united athletes, community leaders, and government officials under a common goal — fighting drug and substance abuse through sport.

The tournament, hosted by Hon. Tinoda Machakaire (MP) and organized under the TINMAC Foundation, was graced by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, who officiated as Guest of Honour.

His presence added a powerful national significance to what has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most impactful community-based sports initiatives.

Running under the theme, “Fighting Drug and Substance Abuse Across All Age Groups Using Sport,” the tournament is a direct response to the growing national concern over drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth. It has become an annual platform for promoting healthy lifestyles, talent development, and social cohesion while raising awareness of the dangers of drug use.

The St. Margaret’s Chigodora Secondary School grounds were transformed into a colorful hub of sporting activity, excitement, and empowerment.

From football and netball to volleyball and athletics, the tournament showcased raw talent from across the district — with participants ranging from school children to local community teams.

As drums beat and crowds cheered, Hon. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Sanyatwe addressed the gathering with a message that blended inspiration, discipline, and national purpose.

“Sport builds discipline, unity, and purpose,” he said. “I commend Hon. Machakaire for creating a platform that inspires healthy lifestyles, promotes business, and offers hope to our communities. This tournament goes beyond competition — it is a movement for change.”

The Minister emphasized that the fight against drug and substance abuse required collective action, urging communities, parents, educators, and youth leaders to use sport as a positive tool to engage young people and steer them away from destructive habits.

“Let us rally behind this noble cause and show that together, we can win the fight against drug and substance abuse,” he declared, receiving loud applause from the crowd.

The host of the event, Hon. Tinoda Machakaire, is no stranger to using sport as a vehicle for social transformation.

Through his TINMAC Foundation, he has invested heavily in youth development programs that promote physical fitness, moral discipline, and economic empowerment.

Speaking during the finals, Hon. Machakaire reiterated his passion for using sport to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

“The TINMAC Sports Tournament is not just about winning trophies. It is about winning the bigger battle — the fight against drugs, idleness, and hopelessness among our youth,” he said. “Our mission is to empower young people with purpose, confidence, and the drive to build a better future for themselves and their communities.”

Hon. Machakaire also expressed gratitude to Hon. Sanyatwe and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for their continued support, noting that collaboration between Government, private partners, and community initiatives was vital for sustaining meaningful development.

In his address, Minister Sanyatwe underscored the importance of sport in national development, describing it as a unifying force that transcends social, political, and economic barriers. He noted that the Second Republic under President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa recognizes sport as a key pillar of national identity and youth empowerment — a sector capable of driving social transformation, employment creation, and community engagement.

“Under Vision 2030, Zimbabwe seeks to build an empowered and prosperous nation. Sport is a crucial component of that vision because it nurtures discipline, teamwork, and national pride,” Hon. Lt. Gen. Rtd. Sanyatwe said.

He also pointed out that the Ministry is working closely with various stakeholders to develop sporting infrastructure, revitalize youth clubs, and support community tournaments that promote grassroots participation and discourage drug use.

“Every football match, every netball game, and every race run in the spirit of unity is a step toward a healthier Zimbabwe,” he remarked.

Drug and substance abuse has become one of the most pressing challenges facing Zimbabwe’s youth today.

Reports from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and various social agencies have revealed alarming increases in the use of dangerous substances such as crystal methamphetamine (mutoriro), cough syrups, marijuana, and alcohol among young people.

Experts warn that the crisis threatens not only individual lives but also families, communities, and the nation’s future workforce.

Against this backdrop, initiatives like the TINMAC Sports Tournament provide a powerful platform for intervention — channeling youthful energy into positive, productive, and socially beneficial activities.

“When young people are active in sport, they learn discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. They discover purpose and find belonging in something positive,” said a local school headmaster attending the event. “Sport keeps them away from idle time, which is often when bad habits take root.”

The theme of this year’s tournament — “Fighting Drug and Substance Abuse Across All Age Groups Using Sport” — resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the need for community-wide engagement in tackling the problem.

Parents, teachers, local leaders, and even elderly community members joined in the festivities, proving that the fight against drugs requires everyone’s involvement.

Beyond its social message, the TINMAC Tournament also contributes to local economic development. Vendors, transport operators, musicians, and small-scale entrepreneurs benefited from the influx of visitors to Chigodora, turning the event into a vibrant economic hub for the weekend.

The spirit of unity and collaboration was evident as local businesses partnered with organizers to provide refreshments, prizes, and sporting equipment.

This synergy demonstrated how sport can become a driver for community development, creating both social and economic value.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Sanyatwe reaffirmed Government’s support for such community-driven initiatives and pledged continued collaboration in promoting youth development and drug prevention programs.

“We cannot afford to lose our youth to drugs. They are our future leaders, athletes, and innovators. The Government stands ready to support all efforts that empower them, whether through sport, arts, or entrepreneurship,” he said.

Hon. Machakaire, echoing this sentiment, vowed to continue expanding the TINMAC Foundation’s reach to other districts, ensuring that more young Zimbabweans benefit from structured, life-changing programs.

“This is just the beginning,” he promised. “We want every community in Zimbabwe to have opportunities like this — to play, to learn, and to live drug-free.”

The 7th Edition of the TINMAC Foundation Sports Tournament had achieved more than crowning champions — it had ignited a national conversation, inspired young minds, and strengthened community bonds.

In an era where many young people face uncertainty, poverty, and social pressures, the message from Hwedza was clear: Sport is not just a game — it is a weapon against despair, a pathway to purpose, and a catalyst for change.