Zimbabwe: How Siboniso Moyo Rebuilt Pride and Purpose in old Lobengula.

In Old Lobengula, Bulawayo, a quiet but powerful transformation is reshaping the lives of young people through the determination of Councillor Siboniso Moyo. Since her election in May 2024 as a Proportional Representation Councillor under Bulawayo City Council, Moyo has used her role to champion youth empowerment, restore community pride, and give vulnerable groups a voice in local governance. 

Before her intervention, many young people in the area were idle, frustrated, and increasingly exposed to substance abuse. High unemployment and the absence of recreational facilities created an environment where alcohol and drugs became a dangerous escape. “Our youth were losing direction. I knew we needed something that would not only keep them busy, but inspire them to dream again,” said Siboniso Moyo.  

Instead of waiting for external funding, she took matters into her own hands. With her personal resources and community support, Moyo established a multi-sport programme offering netball, volleyball, soccer, tug of war, and basketball to young people aged 15 and above. A partnership with a local school which provided access to training grounds, turned the idea into a sustainable community effort.  

The impact was immediate and profound. Young people who once wandered the streets found discipline, teamwork, and purpose through sport. Ronald Ndimande, one of the participants, expressed how the initiative reshaped his life: “Before the soccer team was formed, we had nowhere to channel our energy and time. The soccer team gave me an opportunity to use my passion and skill for the greater good and found a way to spend my time effectively.” 

What began as a simple community sports initiative has now evolved into a platform for talent development. Some athletes have already earned invitations to regional tournaments, receiving small stipends and exposure to professional pathways. Their success has ignited new ambition among other participants, turning once-idle youths into disciplined competitors. 

The initiative has also strengthened social cohesion. Community members frequently attend matches, volunteer to support logistics, and celebrate the victories of their teams as collective achievements. Shumba*, a local resident, highlighted this shift, saying, “The councillor’s initiative has brought visible transformation. Clean-up campaigns have revived community pride, and the donated bins have drastically reduced littering in public spaces.” 

Moyo’s influence extends beyond sports. She has become a trusted advocate for residents, ensuring grievances and governance issues are heard at council level. One community member, Dube*, explained the significance of her leadership: “With the help of Councillor Moyo we now have someone to advocate and represent us in community issues and local governance grievances, making us feel heard and proportionally represented in the city.” 

Under her guidance, clean-up campaigns and waste-management support have restored dignity to public spaces. Donated bins, community-led cleaning, and regular engagement have reduced littering and strengthened ownership of the environment. Residents now see their community as a place worth protecting. Evidence of change is visible across Bulawayo. Incidents of substance abuse among the youth have decreased as more young people commit to training and matches. Parents report improved behaviour and discipline in their children. Local leaders note fewer cases of loitering and antisocial behaviour. The sporting activities have become a social safety net active, inclusive, and community-driven.  

Moyo believes sustainability lies in community ownership. Committees are being formed to oversee equipment, training schedules, and competitions. Plans are underway to formalise the teams and register them with regional sports associations, expanding opportunities for local athletes. She is also engaging businesses and NGOs for sponsorships to strengthen future growth. 

Her goal is simple but transformative: to build a generation of young people who are confident, skilled, and resilient. “I want our youth to know that even with limited resources, they can rise. What matters is giving them a chance to participate, to shine, and to believe in themselves,” said Moyo. In Bulawayo, that chance has already changed lives and the ripple effects continue to spread. Councillor Siboniso Moyo’s story is a powerful reminder of how dedicated grassroots leadership, fuelled by empathy and community commitment, can redefine the future of an entire generation. 

 By: Siboniso Moyo