RESIDENTS of Nguboyenja suburb in Bulawayo have embarked on a project to rehabilitate local sporting grounds in a proactive move to tackle drug and illegal substance abuse.
A coalition comprising Bulawayo Saints FC, Wolves Social Club, the Nguboyenja/Sotshangane Residents Association, and the Nguboyenja business community approached the City of Bulawayo with a proposal to refurbish the community facility.
The council has since approved the initiative as a goodwill donation.
According to a report by the director of housing and community services, Dictor Khumalo, the community has already mobilised funds for the project and will provide the labour.
“The project will be funded by the group, while the community provides labour,” the council report read.
“It will help address drug and substance abuse among youths by engaging them in various recreation activities.”
The group’s ambitious plans for the grounds include erecting a perimetre fence and installing solar lights, grading and levelling the ground, and planting lawn, building changing rooms for both boys and girls, establishing a netball pitch and a toddlers’ pitch and resuscitating water pipes for future use.
The council acceded to the request during its sitting on October 1, 2025, but set specific conditions to ensure the facility remains a public asset.
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The grounds will continue to be managed by the council and must remain accessible to all residents without any conditions.
Council also mandated the formation of a representative working committee to facilitate engagement and ensure no single group monopolises the project.
Furthermore, all construction must be authorised and guided by the city's technical departments.
Importantly, the council did not approve all proposed activities.
“Activities that were not ancillary to the use of the facility as a sporting ground would not be acceded to, such as the establishment of a fish pond,” the council report read.
The group’s representative, Rudolf Nyatsanga, said their desire was to partner with the city as responsible citizens and ratepayers.
“If given permission, we agree that the Sotshangane Ground will always remain council property,” Nyatsanga said.
“We are just helping to play our part in fighting drug and substance abuse by keeping our youths busy.”
Nyatsanga added that the rehabilitated facilities will also aim to address other social ills like gender-based violence and will be open to nearby institutions, including Jairos Jiri, Sibantubanye, and Lozikeyi Primary School.
The council’s resolution also indemnifies it against any damage or claims arising from the project and states that all installations remain at the council’s pleasure.
—Masiyephambili
