SOX the Poet (left) and Fundile Nkala (Right) at the Games for Peace.

When Fundile Nkala, an educator, mental health advocate, and 2022 Integrity Icon, first joined
Accountability Lab Zimbabwe, she had no idea her journey would eventually lead her back to
her childhood roots, through games.

“I was nominated as an Integrity Icon in 2022,” she reflects. “Since then, the Lab has contributed
immensely to my growth, not only as a government official but also as a youth leader. They
gave me a platform and a network that continues to shape how I create impact in my
community.”

It was within this spirit of innovation that Fundile partnered with fellow Lab alumnus, 2022 Film
Fellow, spoken-word artist, and activist Sox the Poet. Their collaboration was born, surprisingly,
out of a lighthearted conversation about the childhood games they both grew up playing. But
that conversation soon took a serious turn.

Moments at the Games for Peace event

 

“We realized that as we were talking about those games we grew playing, we were also
reflecting on violent crimes, drug abuse, and mental health challenges happening in our
neighborhoods,” Fundile recalls.

Sox adds: “We wanted to move away from the high-level meetings that often exclude the very
people most affected by these issues. Instead, we imagined a space where people could be
free, true to themselves, and engage in meaningful dialogue. And there was no better place
than eKasi (the ghetto), close to Emakhandeni, where many of these cases are reported.”
With their different strengths, Fundile excelled in writing, budgeting, and coordination, and Sox
in public speaking and community mobilization, the duo launched Games for Peace on
Saturday, 16 August 2025. The grassroots event was designed to transform play into dialogue.

The initiative brought together approximately 500 people in Bulawayo, blending fun with critical
conversations. Community members took part in games while also accessing life-changing
information and resources from multiple stakeholders who endorsed and supported the alumni.

● The National Aids Council distributed condoms and delivered comprehensive Sexual
and Reproductive Health and Rights education.

● The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Victim Friendly Unit shared safety and crime
prevention tips.

● CID Drugs educated residents about different types of drugs and how to report related
crimes.

● Bold Dialogue facilitated discussions on mental wellness.

● The Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan delivered a keynote address on the
importance of youth-led initiatives.

“The power of Games for Peace lies in its inclusivity,” Fundile explains. “It is a space where
everyone, young and old, women and men, has a role to play. Dialogues happen in a friendly,
fun, and less formal environment, which makes it easier for people to participate and be heard.”
For both leaders, collaboration was the heartbeat of the project. “Even the two of us alone could
not have done it,” Sox admits. “We each had unique strengths, and together with the support of
others in our networks, we managed to build something impactful. That’s the biggest lesson, we
need each other.”

Their partnership demonstrated that intergenerational, cross-sector dialogue is possible when
communities gather in spaces that feel safe, accessible, and familiar. The model, they believe,
could influence social cohesion, community-driven policy, and even new approaches to
governance.
For Fundile, the journey is also about encouraging other young leaders. “You don’t always have
to go west because the crowd is going west,” she advises. “Sometimes you need to pave your
own way. Instead of waiting for opportunities to be created for you, create spaces that bring
people together and influence decisions.”

She credits Accountability Lab Zimbabwe for planting those seeds of courage. “The Lab is one
in a million. They gave me a chance, a platform, and a belief in my potential. Unlike many
organizations that only support when it benefits them, the Lab genuinely invests in young
leaders.”

At its core, Games for Peace is about more than play, it is about reimagining governance from the ground up.

“Making governance work for the people means contributing meaningfully, being responsible,
and understanding that it all starts with a little action,” SOX says. “We all have a role to play.”

Through their collaboration, Fundile and Sox have shown that sometimes the most powerful
conversations don’t begin in conference halls, but on dusty playgrounds, where games,
laughter, and dialogue can pave the way to peace and active citizen participation in governance.

– Bathabile Dlamini, Media and Communications Officer