Zimpapers Logo

Flora Fadzai Sibanda,[email protected]

THE United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) Zimbabwe synod, Bulawayo region yesterday held a march fighting against social ills which are affecting youths at the business centre.

More than 50 youths came together to fight social ills that include HIV/AIDS, gender based violence, rape and drug and substance abuse.

Guest organisations such as the Win Over Trauma and Addiction (WOTA) organisation and Youth Active organisation gave remarks at the event.

Participants sang gospel songs, spoke about liberation for the girl child and women who are being abused while speaking with different people on the streets encouraging them to join the fight against all ills, especially drug and substance abuse.

The Zimbabwe synod chair of the church Mr Maxwell Ndiweni said the congregation was happy youths are leading such initiatives as they are the ones being affected.

“These are some of the issues we should be advocating for as churches and it makes our hearts warm to know that it is being initiated by the youths who know how drug and substance abuse has led them to do some irresponsible things, causing some to ruin their lives. We are very grateful that our youths are found as part of those who are saying no to these social ills,” said Mr Ndiweni.

He said drug and substance abuse has been a major driver for gender based violence, rape and spread of HIV/AIDS so fighting it makes it easy to fight these other three branches.

Mr Ndiweni said the programme will continue until the social ills are eliminated.

One of the youths, Mr Mpumelelo Nyoni, the Zimbabwe synod youth secretary said by doing such outreaches, they  are hopeful the message will help everyone including non-church members.

He said he believes the results of their work will be clear once people start giving testimonies and are able to confidently say they are free from the social ills.

“Our role as Christians is to raise the voice on issues to do with gender based violence because whatever affects our society comes back to affecting us. We are not stopping here as youths but we are going to be consistent with our mission of raising the voice about this because the more consistent you are the more people are likely to hear the message and act on it,” said Mr Nyoni.

This is not the first time the church has campaigned against the social scourges as they have carried out numerous similar activities under the banner of Church Against Drug And Substance Abuse (CADASA).

The Church engaged community soccer teams which engaged youths in sports to conscietise them of the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

@flora_sibanda