Big Zulu launches soccer tournament in Bergville to combat youth alcohol and drug abuse
Big Zulu has started his own soccer tournament to help tackle the rising issue of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in his community.
Image: Facebook/Big Zulu
Big Zulu has launched his own soccer tournament in an effort to address the growing problem of alcohol and drug abuse among young people in his community.
The artist explained that the idea took shape after a recent visit to his hometown of Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal, where he noticed groups of children playing football, while others nearby were smoking and drinking alcohol.
What struck him most was how young some of them appeared to be.
“You know, I was back home in Bergville last week, and I saw young kids playing football, while some were smoking and drinking alcohol. Very young kids. It made me feel really bad because even back home, drug use is increasing,” he said.
He believes one of the major reasons for this rise in substance use is the disappearance of organised sport in many rural areas.
“You may ask why. It’s because there is no longer a sport, no more football. In our time, we used to play football while herding cattle, running around in the mountains. We didn’t have time to sit around being bored and thinking about doing the wrong things.”
This reflection led him to create the Big Zulu Soccer Tournament, a community-based initiative designed to provide young people with a healthy space to spend their time, learn discipline, and reconnect with the joy of sports.
Zulu said that he approached local chiefs and the Kaizer Chiefs Football Club to share the idea and request support.
“I then went to the chiefs and to @kcfcofficial, presented the idea, and asked for support with things that could help. We are very grateful. They gave us a lot: balls, bibs, and many other things. Thank you very much, Chiefs.”
Community members praised the initiative.
Lesedi3879 commented: “Don’t change the kindness you have. God shall bless you, my brother. Remember that what happens on the left shall happen on the right as well. Always show your kindness, love, and support, and you’ll see what God will do for you.”
Mthobisi Phuthini wrote: “Thank you, Big Zulu. We need more people like you, big brother. Please don’t stop. We will also help where we can.”
Nompumelelo Zamisile Hadebe added: “This is beautiful. May God keep on blessing you.”
If you or someone you know needs help with alcohol or drug use, you can call the South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA) on 011 892 3829.