Johnson Progress

A growing number of Zimbabweans are succumbing to the allure of betting, with many losing everything, including their homes and dignity.

Getwell Ndlovu, a 34-year-old from Luveve in Bulawayo, is one such victim.

He has been living on the streets since March after squandering his earnings and a neighbor’s money on betting.

“I started staying on the streets in March this year. The reason was that I was working and took the pay to do betting, but I lost,” Ndlovu said.

He added that he had been given money by his neighbors to pay bills and buy goods, but instead, he used it for betting.

“Now to go back, I thought of what story I would tell them. So the best plan was to hide in the streets,” he added.

Ndlovu’s daily routine consists of rummaging through trash for plastics and cans, earning him approximately $9 per day, which he promptly spends on betting.

“When I calculated, I realised that I get $300 per month, but all of it I spend it in betting, which I regularly lose,” he said.

The consequences of Ndlovu’s addiction have been devastating.

He has lost his home, his dignity, and contact with his parents.

“I am not yet married and my parents last knew me while I was working at a school, so they do not know where I am,” he said, adding that he is afraid to meet his neighbors and parents.

Ndlovu’s story is not unique.

Many young people in Zimbabwe are turning to betting as a quick fix to economic woes, with alarming consequences.

According to recent reports, the country is experiencing a surge in gambling addiction, which is devastating youth and destroying families.

Ndlovu is now appealing for rehabilitation to kick the betting habit.

“We appeal for rehabilitation of betting addicts because that thing is worse than smoking cigarettes,” he said.

“Even many of my colleagues are living on the streets because of betting.”

Fortunately, Ndlovu is among the beneficiaries of a feeding program run by Victory Fellowship Church Bulawayo City branch, which provides hot meals to over 100 homeless and vulnerable people.

The church’s lead pastor, Morgan Mathema, said the program has been running since 1994 and aims to bring hope and a smile to those in need.

As the gambling crisis deepens in Zimbabwe, there is a growing call for urgent action to address the issue.

Experts say a comprehensive approach, including regulation, education, and rehabilitation, is needed to stem the tide of addiction and its devastating consequences.