Bulawayo’s youth centres in crisis

By Ndumiso Tshuma

Bulawayo councillors have raised concerns over the exclusion of young people living with disabilities from vocational training programmes, the shortage of recreational facilities in key suburbs, and the growing threat of drug abuse and social decay among youth.

The issues were brought forward during a full council meeting held earlier this month.

Ward 7 Councillor Thandiwe Moyo said vocational centres in the city lack inclusive training options for youth with disabilities.

“Young people living with disabilities are being left behind. They are asking to be recognised and included in vocational training programmes. They want to learn, but the courses currently offered don’t cater to their needs,” Moyo told the council.

She also highlighted infrastructure challenges, noting that many youth centres in her ward were in a state of disrepair.

“For example, Thabiso Youth Centre in Ward 7 doesn’t have a functioning toilet. Even in our public toilets, most are not working. We’re asking the council to urgently address these issues,” she added.

Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu echoed the concerns and stressed the lack of recreational infrastructure in some of Bulawayo’s largest suburbs, such as Cowdray Park, Emganwini, and Pumula South.

“Cowdray Park is the second-largest suburb in the country, yet it still lacks proper recreational centres,” said Ndlovu. “And this is not just about Cowdray Park, Emganwini and Pumula South also don’t have community parks, playgrounds or youth centres.”

Ndlovu urged the city to distinguish between vocational training centres and recreational facilities, and to explore innovative financing models such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“We need to think outside the box. There are people ready to invest in swimming pools, parks, and arts and culture hubs. As a council, we must explore these avenues to support youth development,” he said.

He stressed that providing youth facilities could help reduce drug abuse, early pregnancies, and other social challenges.

“This is important because it keeps our youth off the streets and away from harmful behaviour. Let’s consider PPPs in suburbs like Cowdray Park, Pumula South, and Emganwini, where these facilities are urgently needed,” Ndlovu added.

Mayor David Coltart said the local authority needs to work with local youth groups to address the gaps.

“We need to engage youth organisations in our suburbs. Just last month, I was told about young people who came together to rehabilitate one of the centres on their own initiative,” Coltart said.

He said the city must support such community-led efforts and prioritise youth infrastructure.

“If we are open to working with these organisations, we may empower them further. These facilities need to be rebuilt, and this must be made a priority,” said Coltart.

He warned that failure to act would leave young people vulnerable to harmful influences.

“In the absence of these centres, youth are far more likely to drift into alcohol, drugs, and other dangerous behaviours,” he said.

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