Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
The 2026 ICT Sector Games were staged at Plumtree High School last week from Monday to Friday, with the Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Dingumuzi Phuti, delivering a rousing call for unity, wellness, and digital transformation in service of the nation.
Addressing a colourful gathering of athletes, government officials and supporters, he described the games as more than a sporting contest, framing them as a strategic investment in the human capital driving Zimbabwe’s digital future.
“Today is not merely about the commencement of sporting activities. It is a celebration of unity, teamwork, wellness, discipline and national service,” the Deputy Minister told the crowd.
In remarks that underscored the Second Republic’s focus on efficient public service delivery, Deputy Minister Phuti emphasised that a healthy workforce was indispensable to institutional performance.
“A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Sport, therefore, becomes more than recreation. It becomes an investment in human capital,” said the Deputy Minister.
He elaborated that physical activity strengthens mental well-being, reduces workplace stress, develops leadership qualities, and encourages the very teamwork needed to propel the Ministry’s mandates.
The Deputy Minister added that the wellness drive comes as the sector shoulders the critical responsibility of leading Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda, from expanding broadband connectivity to modernising postal services and strengthening cybersecurity.
“These national responsibilities require institutions that are efficient, innovative and responsive. More importantly, they require employees who are healthy, motivated, and united by a common purpose,” Deputy Minister Phuti said.
A distinctive feature of this year’s games was the deliberate decision to abandon institutional affiliations in favour of a traditional house system, with athletes divided into Red, Blue, and Green houses.
Deputy Minister Phuti hailed this arrangement as carrying a profound message for the sector. “This arrangement carries an important message. It reminds us that although we may serve in different organisations with different mandates, we remain one Ministry, one sector and one Government serving one Zimbabwe,” he declared.
The Deputy Minister noted that the camaraderie built on the field would translate into stronger cooperation in the workplace, directly supporting the whole-of-Government approach.
“Today you may wear different house colours, but tomorrow you return to your respective offices carrying with you stronger friendships, renewed trust and a deeper appreciation of one another,” he added.
He said the choice of Plumtree as the host town was no accident and that the decision demonstrated the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, taking national programmes to every corner of the country.
“I am particularly delighted that this year’s games are being held here in Plumtree, a community that has contributed immensely to our nation’s development and continues to produce hardworking, disciplined and talented citizens,” said the Deputy Minister.
He linked the wellness initiative directly to the broader national vision, invoking President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on hard work, innovation, and unity in the push towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The Deputy Minister further noted that the National Development Strategy 2 identifies ICT as a principal enabler of economic growth and industrialisation.
Turning to the athletes, the Deputy Minister issued a challenge for them to compete with integrity, stating, “At the conclusion of these games, trophies will be awarded and medals presented, but your greatest achievement will be the friendships you build and the character you display.”
He also commended the Organising Committee for ensuring inclusivity across gender and sporting disciplines, a reflection of Government’s commitment to equality of opportunity.
