By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
YOUNG people must translate their talents to success and reject drug and substance abuse, the inaugural Beitbridge Achievement Awards held on Saturday night revealed.
Speaking as guest of honour, Caleb Royal Institute Chief Executive Officer Itai Karavhina applauded the organisers for creating a platform that celebrates and nurtures young talent while warning that drug abuse remains one of the biggest threats facing Zimbabwe’s youth.
He said Zimbabwe is blessed with talented young people in music, dance, poetry, drama, sport, visual arts and entrepreneurship, describing them as the country’s future leaders, innovators and ambassadors.
“However, as we celebrate, we cannot ignore one of the greatest challenges facing many young people today – drug and substance abuse. Drugs destroy dreams, damage health, weaken families and communities, and rob young people of the bright futures they deserve,” said Karavhina.
He said the talent displayed during the awards demonstrated that every young person has something valuable to contribute to society.
“The same hands that create beautiful art should never be used to destroy lives through drugs. The same voices that entertain and inspire should never be silenced by addiction. The same minds that dream of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs and leaders should never be clouded by substance abuse,” he said.
Karavhina encouraged young people to choose friends who support their ambitions instead of giving in to peer pressure.
He also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities to play an active role in mentoring young people, saying preventing drug abuse is a shared responsibility.
The inaugural Beitbridge Achievement Awards recognised outstanding individuals and organisations making a positive contribution to the community through talent, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, awards coordinator Petronella Madyahoto, popularly known as Black Pepper, said the awards were established to recognise and empower young men and women who are making a significant impact in the community.
She thanked nominees, award recipients and members of the public for supporting the inaugural ceremony and pledged that the awards would become an annual event.
“I promise this is only the beginning. The Beitbridge Achievement Awards will continue to celebrate and motivate people who are making a difference in our community,” she said.
Among the award recipients was Thandiwe Ngidi of Cake Therapy Zim, who expressed gratitude to the organisers and everyone who supported her after receiving her award.
Awards were presented across several categories, including music, dance, fashion, comedy, media, corporate excellence and entrepreneurship.
Ziyah Media was honoured with the Best Media Company award.
The colourful ceremony marked the beginning of what organisers hope will become a lasting platform to celebrate excellence while inspiring young people to pursue their talents and stay away from drugs and other harmful influences.