Zomba cyclists in afforestation drive

By Tiyese Monjeza:

Zomba Cycling Club has joined stakeholders across the country in reforestation efforts.

The efforts are aimed at restoring vegetative cover around Mulunguzi Dam in the old capital.

Speaking recently when club members and Dutch national Antoon Blokland cycled in the city to fundraise for management of the dam’s catchment area, club captain Steven Mapepa called on athletes to use sport in spearheading developmental initiatives in the country.

Mapepa said sport is a powerful tool for providing solutions to social challenges rocking the country.

“People love sports quite a lot in this country and it is easy to reach them through this medium. Athletes should learn to use their talent in giving back to the community. We can use breaks during sports tournaments to sensitise people on environmental conservation, issues of mental health and other burning issues,” he said.

Blokland said sports associations that are active in developmental initiatives easily market themselves to potential sponsors.

“Sponsors or the corporate world sometimes opt to partner a committed sports team or club which is doing recommendable work in the country’s development. So, this is the way to go if we are to have more sponsors,” Blokland said.

Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) Public Relations Officer Rita Makwangwala said the board partnered the cyclists during the initiative.

“Mulunguzi is a very important dam in the provision of water to Zomba City. We therefore urge other sports clubs to emulate Zomba Cycling Club’s gesture in helping to manage the dam’s catchment area,” Makwangwala said.

The athletes cycled from SRWB headquarters in the city to the dam on top of Zomba Mountain where they planted trees.