Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THE Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, is in the process of reviving idle country clubs nationwide and transforming them into productive national assets to nurture sporting talent.
This was revealed by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe, while officiating at the commissioning of the Hwedza Country Club Multi-Purpose sports facility on Thursday.
The sports facility, which has been recently revamped after years of being idle, is now open for tennis, netball as well as volleyball sporting activities.
“The Government of Zimbabwe recognised that numerous country clubs nationwide had fallen into disuse, despite their immense potential to drive sports development and community recreation,” he said.
“Consequently, the ministry was mandated to revitalise these idle assets, transforming them into functional, multi-purpose sports and recreation complexes that equitably serve all members of society regardless of age, gender or social background.
“The strategic intervention is aimed at unlocking dormant public infrastructure and converting it into productive national assets that nurture sporting talent, promote healthy lifestyles, create opportunities for youth participation and strengthen community cohesion.
“The commissioning of the Hwedza multi-purpose sports facility therefore represents one of the practical outcomes of this national programme. It demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring that sporting infrastructure is accessible not only in major cities but also in rural communities where abundant talent often remains undiscovered due to inadequate facilities.”
Minister Sanyatwe said the revitalisation of the Hwedza Country Club and other facilities is fully aligned to the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) which emphasises investment in quality social infrastructure, human capital development, youth empowerment, inclusive economic growth and improved quality of life for all Zimbabweans.
“Sport is a powerful catalyst for national development. It contributes significantly to physical and mental well-being, social inclusion, peace building and national unity,” he said.
“It also creates employment opportunities, stimulates local economic activity through sports tourism and events, and nurtures discipline, leadership and resilience among young people.
“By investing in modern sporting infrastructure such as this facility, Government is creating an enabling environment where talent can be identified, nurtured and developed into national and international excellence.”
Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo applauded the Second Republic for prioritising projects that transform communities.
He added that it is commendable to see sporting facilities being upgraded.
“President Mnangagwa is on record saying “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”. He also says we will build our nation brick by brick and stone upon stone, step by step,” he said.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for upgrading this facility, which will go a long way in nurturing talent in Hwedza and Mashonaland East province.
“These facilities will also play a critical role in the fight against drug and substance abuse, adolescent pregnancies among other societal ills. Our youth will spend more of their time productively.”
He challenged the people of Hwedza to safeguard the facility and ensure it will not be vandalised.
