by ZODWA MLOTSHWA
BULILIMA – YOUTHS in Bulilima District are leading new sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases, with those aged 20 to 24 disproportionately affected, according to recent statistics from the National AIDS Council (NAC).
Experts warn that unemployment, idle time, and lack of constructive activities are fueling risky sexual behaviour, drug use, and alcohol abuse among young people, highlighting the consequences of the ZANU-PF government’s long-standing neglect of youth development in Matabeleland.
Data from the National AIDS Council (NAC) shows that between January and August this year, 186 new STI cases were reported among this age group, evenly split between 93 males and 93 females.
The 25 to 29-year-old group followed closely, with 162 cases—92 males and 70 females. Adolescents aged 15 to 19 recorded 109 new cases, while alarmingly, four cases were reported among children aged 10 to 14.
In neighbouring Mangwe District, Syphilis has emerged as the most reported infection, with 125 cases among 20 to 24-year-olds and 65 cases among 15 to 19-year-olds.
NAC Bulilima District AIDS Coordinator, Mr. Ronald Hanyane, attributed the high infection rates among young people to multiple socio-economic factors, saying, “Many young people are exposed to sexual risk because of poverty, lack of supervision, school dropouts, and the long distances they must travel to access education. When youths have nothing to do, they turn to drugs, alcohol, and unsafe sexual activity.”
Critics argue that the youth STI crisis is a direct consequence of the ZANU-PF government’s failure to create jobs, invest in vocational training, or develop meaningful recreational opportunities.
Lupane, Bulilima, Mangwe, and other parts of Matabeleland North have seen persistent neglect, leaving young people idle and vulnerable.
“The statistics are not just numbers—they are a symptom of systemic neglect,” said Ms. Thandiwe Ncube, a youth activist in Bulilima.
“Our government has failed to empower our youths. They have left young people with nothing productive to do, which exposes them to drugs, alcohol abuse, and unsafe sexual practices. This is entirely preventable.”
Mr. Hanyane also highlighted gendered patterns in STI infections, noting that females under 24 years old bear the brunt of infections, often targeted by older males, while males dominate infection rates after age 25.
In response, NAC has stepped up community-based awareness campaigns, mentorship programmes, and youth-friendly health services. However, local residents say these interventions are insufficient without meaningful economic empowerment and government accountability.
“The young generation is paying the price for political and economic mismanagement,” said Ms. Ncube. “Until ZANU-PF addresses unemployment, poverty, and education access in Matabeleland, STI cases among youth will continue to rise.”
With youths representing the majority of Bulilima’s and Mangwe’s populations, experts warn that unless urgent socio-economic interventions are implemented, the STI crisis could have long-term implications for public health, gender equality, and community development in the region.
