By The Wasu Post Reporter
Child Minister of Defence Tatenda Obrey Mukukuwanda champions environmental stewardship and social unity
Mutare South, 10 October 2025 — In a remarkable demonstration of youth leadership and civic responsibility, Junior MP and Honorable Child Minister of Defence, Hon. Tatenda Obrey Mukukuwanda, led a vibrant clean-up campaign across schools in Mutare South Constituency last week.
The initiative, aligned with the President’s vision of dedicating every first Friday of the month to national clean-up efforts, aims to promote environmental conservation while fostering social cohesion.
The campaign kicked off at Hon. Tatenda’s own school and quickly expanded to neighboring primary, secondary, and high schools. Students and teachers alike participated with enthusiasm, showcasing a shared commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment.
A significant highlight of the campaign was a joint clean-up at Matondo Growth Point, where Junior MPs from neighboring constituencies joined forces.
The team then continued their efforts at Magayakaya Service Centre, Saburi, Gombakomba, and extended to Sakubva Markets—a bustling hub where they met with the Mutare Central Junior MP and Child Minister for a collaborative clean-up operation.
This rotational campaign—faithfully conducted every first Friday of the month throughout Hon. Tatenda’s tenure—has traversed numerous growth points across the constituency. It has become a unifying force, bridging not only rural and urban areas, but also various schools, communities, and youth leadership platforms.
“People hate what they don’t know and create myths around it because they lack exposure,” said Hon. Tatenda. “So why should rural children have to go to town to mingle with their urban brothers and sisters when we can bring the city to them through meaningful partnerships? These barriers and tensions we often see during interschool events are rooted in ideological prejudices and stereotypes—problems we can solve through simple, intentional socialisation.”
Tatenda emphasized that the rural-urban divide is largely the result of isolation and misinformation. By organizing joint events and campaigns, he hopes to dissolve these misconceptions and promote a more inclusive and united youth community.
Beyond Mutare South, the Child Minister has partnered with fellow Junior MPs from across Zimbabwe who share his belief that geography, social status, or access to resources should not divide us.
“We are one big family—just different sides of the same coin, paradoxically complementary,” he said.
This clean-up campaign stands as a powerful testament to what young leaders can achieve when driven by purpose, passion, and unity. Hon. Tatenda Obrey Mukukuwanda continues to set a bold example, proving that positive change starts with small, consistent actions—and a vision for a better tomorrow.