Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
BULAWAYO – Tensions are mounting in New Lobengula, Bulawayo, as residents vehemently oppose the alleged sale and development of a cherished youth sports field, warning that the loss of recreational space could exacerbate drug abuse among youth and undermine the city’s rich football legacy.
The controversy emerged when community members discovered through WhatsApp groups that the field had been earmarked for development without what they claim was proper consultation with residents.
Residents Fear Loss of Vital Youth Space
Community members expressed outrage at the potential loss of what they describe as a critical safe space for young people. Many residents argue that the sports field serves as a vital recreational outlet that keeps youth engaged and away from substance abuse.
“When young people don’t have a place to play, they will turn to drugs,” said resident Mkhokheli Musara.
“As locals, we ask that they find another location for their structures rather than on this ground.”
The proposed development comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with widespread drug and substance abuse among youth, particularly in urban areas like Bulawayo. Residents argue that eliminating recreational spaces would only worsen this growing crisis.
Threat to Bulawayo’s Football Legacy
Beyond drug concerns, residents highlight the potential impact on Bulawayo’s reputation as a cradle of football talent. The city has produced legendary players like Peter Ndlovu, who grew up playing on similar community fields.
“Bulawayo is well-known for its football. Players like Peter Ndlovu grew up here,” said health advocate Edmond Ntini. “If it is true that the grounds at the Lobengula Youth Centre are being used for educational purposes, that will be a disgrace.”
Ntini and other community members have proposed alternative solutions, suggesting that the city council should instead partner with businesses and the diaspora community to revive and upgrade youth sporting facilities rather than repurpose them.
“That area could be used for athletics, and some people could find employment in maintaining it. Sports are a multimillion-dollar sector, and it is disheartening that a city like Bulawayo does not recognise the value of the arts and sports industries,” Ntini added.
Official Response: Development Misunderstood
Ward 11 councillor Susan Sithole has dismissed claims that the sports grounds are under threat, insisting that the proposed development involves an adjacent stand rather than the recreational field itself.
“Land is currently being allocated through the land alienation policy. It should be noted that the stand was allocated in 2003. A report was submitted to council, it was approved, and the applicant was given an offer,” Sithole explained.
The councillor emphasized that the sports field would remain untouched, clarifying that,
“The site for the community centre is adjacent to the sporting facilities. Community centres serve the interests of the public, and as such there should be no conflict.”
Broader Context: Zimbabwe’s Complex Land Policies
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s complex history with land allocation and reform. The country has grappled with land policy since its controversial fast-track land reform program beginning in 2000, which saw thousands of white commercial farmers forcibly removed from their lands.
More recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has launched new policies allowing beneficiaries of land reform to sell their properties and use them as collateral for loans – a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s land policy.
Simultaneously, the government has begun compensating white farmers who lost their land during the seizures, with the first installments of a $3.5 billion compensation package being paid this year.
Community Engagement Questions Raised
The New Lobengula situation has raised questions about community engagement practices in local development projects.
According to community engagement experts, effective consultation requires keeping “accessibility top of mind” and ensuring that people “feel safe to share their feedback.”
Best practices suggest that local governments should “share important information widely before, during, and after projects” and “actively connect with diverse participants” to ensure all voices are heard.
The residents’ claims that they learned about the development through WhatsApp groups rather than official channels suggest potential shortcomings in the consultation process.
Conclusion
As the situation develops, New Lobengula residents remain vigilant about protecting their youth sports field while councillor Sithole maintains that the sporting facilities are not threatened. The conflict highlights the delicate balance between urban development and preserving community spaces that serve important social and recreational functions.
The community has pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the sports field that has nurtured countless young athletes remains available for future generations.
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