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THE African Union Sports Council has paid tribute to their late secretary-general Mvuzo Mbebe with the Region 5 council of Ministers of sport led by their chairman Makhosini Hlongwane yesterday describing his death as a huge blow to sport in the region.
Mbebe, who was South African, died at a private hospital in Kempton Park on Tuesday morning. He succumbed to cancer of the colon and Hlongwane who is also the Minister of Sport and Recreation described him as a dedicated cadre whose commitment to duty in the development of sport in Southern Africa was unquestionable.
He is expected to be buried next Tuesday at his Mzimkhulu home in KwaZulu, Natal.
“No doubt, the Region has lost a dedicated cadre who contributed immensely to the development of sport in the Region, Continent and South Africa. He was a dependable and astute leader in sport who was full of wisdom and dedication to duty.
“He was one of the rare personalities in sport who would go beyond the call of duty merely for his immeasurable commitment. The African Union Sports Council Region 5 Council of Ministers of sport received with sadness news of the untimely passing on of our secretary-general, Mr Mvuzo Martin Mbebe love for his country, Region and Africa,’’ Hlongwane said.
The ASUC Council of Minister s of Sport chairman also said Mbebe who was in Bulawayo last December for the Region 5 Youth Games had left a legacy in sport on the continent.
“Mr. Mbebe leaves behind an enormous legacy in this Region and the continent that will forever be cherished. His contribution to the Development of Netball, a sport that he administered for years will forever be remembered,’’ Hlongwane said.
Hlongwane also chronicled some of the work that Mbebe did for sport including football on the continent.
“He served in various platforms in South Africa with distinction notably, as executive in the South Africa Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC), South African National Sports Council where he was the chief executive officer, secretary-general of Athletics South Africa, chief executive officer of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and 2014 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) among others.
“He distinguished himself by serving diligently on other missions that included the 6th All Africa Games in 1995 held in Zimbabwe where he was Chef de Mission at the 7th All Africa Games in 1999 where he served as Director.
“Mr. Mbebe was instrumental in the establishment and development of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA) Zone VI which is now AUSC Region 5, where he served in various structures and rose through the ranks until he became the organisation’s secretary-general. During his tenure, the Region witnessed significant growth and introduction of various programmes and activities which shall remain a lasting legacy. Among these were the Sports Education and Accreditation Systems and the Region 5 Games which have become a household and flagship Programme for the Region.
“Mr. Mbebe was a larger than life character whose presence was felt whenever he committed in executing programmes and decisions. His fearless character won him both admiration and resistance but he stood resolutely on what he believed in, all in the best interest of the organisation.
“The Region and Africa at large has lost an irreplaceable pillar of strength, strategist, mentor, a leader par excellence but most importantly, a gallant son of the soil whose wit and great sense of humour will leave an indelible mark in our hearts of hearts’’.
Hlongwane also saluted Mbebe for battling on to execute his duties despite his failing health.
“What was uniquely striking about Mr. Mbebe was his tenacity and magnanimity. He fought the battle with cancer and resisted its insidious effects with the heart of a lion. He never allowed his frailty to deter him from attaining his goals. He fought formidably and remained determined up to the end.
“He fought a good fight until the end. Even from his deathbed, he remained a strong character. To imagine he was in Congo Brazzaville leaves one with no other justification than to conclude that his mission was to bid all his Ministers of Sport and friends farewell when he attended the Council of Ministers meetings on 2 and 3 September 2015 regardless of his failing health.
“He chose a memorable platform to take a bow and exit this world after having witnessed an historic event, one that epitomised what he had served all his life. No heroism surpasses such a feat of gallantry.
“Today we bid farewell to perfection personified. We bid farewell to an icon of Africa, the Region and South Africa. Mbebe was a luminary that leaves a void too wide to fill. Go well son of the soil! Farewell our hero! May his soul, rest in eternal peace! Till we meet again!’’ Hlongane said.
ZIFA also expressed shock at Mbebe’s death and sent in their condolences through the association’s communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association has learnt with great shock and sorrow of the untimely death of Mvuzo Mbebe , a veteran sports and football supremo whose immense contribution to the world’s most beautiful game is beyond doubt”, Gwesela said.
Gwesela also acknowledged the crucial role played by Mbebe in helping Zimbabwe host successfully the African Union Sports Council Region 5 games in Bulawayo last year.
“Mbebe’s contribution to sport was unmatched as he ensued that Zimbabwe successfully hosted the African Union Sports Council Region 5 games in Bulawayo last year”, he said.
“He symbolised sport’s universal character.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mbebe family in this time of grief and we encourage them to seek comfort and solace in the almighty”, said Gwesela.
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