Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
FORMER Matabeleland South Zimbabwe National Board of Boxing and Wrestling Control co-ordinator, Maculomuhle Nkomo, has been honoured for her role in uplifting sport and advancing women’s leadership within the sector.
Nkomo relocated to Harare last year, where she is now working in the boxing board’s marketing department in the capital, continuing her contribution to the growth of the sport at national level.
However, her impact in Matabeleland South proved significant enough to earn her regional recognition, as she was honoured alongside women from 14 countries during International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the African Women In Sports Initiative (AWISI).
“These awards do not define the ‘best women in sport,’ but recognise impactful leaders whose work is transforming sport and society in Africa,” reads AWISI’s citation.
The organisation received 75 nominations from across 17 countries, after which a panel of judges drawn from the continent deliberated and selected 14 recipients. Among them were Nkomo and another Zimbabwean, Sarah Bennet.
Other recognised personalities came from Botswana, Uganda, Gabon, Kenya, Tanzania, Lesotho and Egypt, highlighting the continental reach and competitiveness of the awards.
The selection panel assessed nominees across diverse fields, including athlete leadership, governance, journalism, sports medicine, law, administration and community development, reflecting the wide-ranging contributions women are making to sport in Africa.
“It is an honour to be recognised for your little effort. It has always been my dream to have a positive impact to people and society through sport. I aspire to continue being of service to sport and humanity,” said Nkomo.
During her tenure in Matabeleland South, both amateur and professional boxing experienced notable growth, with a number of promising stars emerging, particularly from Beitbridge and Gwanda, laying a strong foundation for the future of the sport in the province.
Bongani Ndlovu