Listen Ndlovu
A youth arts organisation based in Cowdray Park is using theatre, poetry and dance to create a safe space for teenagers and young adults, while addressing social issues such as drug abuse, early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Founded two years ago, Intsha Yakusasa Arts Group is led by Sydwell N. Moyo and three other directors. The organisation works with young people aged 13 to 25, offering training and performance opportunities in acting, poetry and dance, including old school and Amapiano styles.
The group also runs a bridal team, creating another income stream for members through performances at weddings and other events.
According to the leadership, the initiative was formed in response to rising depression and social pressures among young people. They say many youths struggle silently, and the group provides a structured environment where members can spend time after school away from harmful activities.
“Our goal is to give young people something positive to focus on and to help reduce issues such as drug and substance abuse, early pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,” said Moyo.
Beyond entertainment, Intsha Yakusasa uses theatre and poetry as tools for education and awareness, while also promoting cultural preservation through storytelling and performance.
One of its productions, EKHAYA (Bulawayo Drama), focuses on cultural restoration. The play highlights traditions the group says are gradually fading, including how pregnancy was traditionally handled, carrying water using buckets, and indigenous games such as macatshelana, ingwini and nkenta.
Another drama, UMNGANE (Bulawayo Drama), explores peer pressure and its consequences. The story depicts how a child raised with strong values can lose direction after associating with negative influences, leading to drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, expulsion from home and gender-based violence.
In AMA 2K (Bulawayo Drama), the group tackles the risks linked to so-called “Vuzu parties”. The drama portrays how substance abuse can lead to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and HIV, while emphasising prevention and responsible decision-making among young people.
Each production concludes with a poem often performed by two poets in a distinctive style that has become the group’s signature.
The group says the project has had a measurable impact on its members. Participants have gained confidence and a platform to speak about challenges affecting youths, including mental health pressures. Some members come from child-headed households, and the income earned from events such as weddings and birthdays helps support their families.
The leadership also claims that since the organisation was formed, it has not recorded any cases of pregnancy or drug abuse among its members, attributing the milestone to mentorship and leading by example.
Beyond the performers, Intsha Yakusasa says its work is benefiting the wider community through live performances and online engagement, with parents and guardians learning how to better understand and guide teenagers. The group has produced about eight plays so far and continues to grow.
In the dance category, Intsha Yakusasa secures two to three gigs per month and recently performed at the Miss Cowdray Finalists event. Its acting division is gaining recognition, while its poetry performances continue to draw attention for their originality and strong social messaging.
The group shares its content on YouTube, TikTok and Facebook under the name The Unstoppable TV.
As unemployment remains a major challenge in Zimbabwe, the organisation says it is also creating opportunities for young people to build skills in areas such as acting, editing, writing, make-up artistry and fashion.
Through consistent community work, Intsha Yakusasa Arts Group is positioning the arts as a practical tool for youth empowerment, income generation and social change in Cowdray Park.
