By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
BEITBRIDGE residents must actively participate in regular clean-up campaigns and environmental responsibility without leaving this to Government institutions and schools alone.
This was said by the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe.
He made the remarks during the 11th edition of the Beitbridge Mayor’s Half Marathon run under the theme “Running Against Litter”, which attracted over 500 athletes from across Zimbabwe.
The annual marathon, started in 2016, was introduced to raise awareness about littering challenges in Beitbridge, a busy border town facing environmental pressures due to high volumes of human and vehicular traffic.
Addressing participants and residents during the event, Nguluvhe said it was time for communities to take ownership of keeping their surroundings clean.
“It’s high time Beitbridge residents get involved in regular clean-up campaigns. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” he said.
He urged residents’ associations to fully participate in the monthly national clean-up exercise held every first Friday of the month.
“We cannot leave this responsibility to government organisations and schools alone. Through this Running Against Litter campaign, this race is a call to civic responsibility. We are not merely running for medals; we are running for environmental dignity,” said Nguluvhe.
“Every footprint left on these streets today is a declaration that we say NO to litter and YES to a clean, green and sustainable Beitbridge.”
He said maintaining cleanliness should become a daily habit rather than an occasional activity.
“Let this marathon spark a permanent mindset shift among our residents. Keeping our environment clean is not a seasonal activity but a daily civic responsibility that belongs to each and every one of us,” he said.
Nguluvhe also highlighted the health benefits associated with sporting activities, saying marathons promote physical and mental wellness while helping reduce non-communicable diseases.
“Physical health and mental wellness are the foundations of a productive province and a thriving economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Beitbridge Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola said organisers had noticed improved participation by local residents during this year’s marathon.
“This time we have seen increased participation from local people in Beitbridge, and we hope attendance from residents will continue to grow,” he said.
The event also embraced inclusivity, with athletes living with disabilities taking part.
Margaret Bangajena of the Racers and Cyclists Association in Harare participated in the 21km hand-cycling category and praised the Municipality of Beitbridge for creating an inclusive platform.
She encouraged other people living with disabilities to take part in similar sporting activities.
In the competitive races, Mthokozosi Mhlanga of Blanket Mine Athletics Club in Gwanda won the Senior Men’s 21.1km race in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 50 seconds, improving from last year when he finished second.
The marathon, a brainchild of incumbent town clerk Loud Ramakgapola, has been infectious and several Zimbabwean towns and cities have taken leaf.
Different municipalities attended Saturday’s event which is now on the country’s athletic calender.