Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South is ramping up preparations to host hundreds of civil servants from across Zimbabwe for this year’s Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival, with organisers promising a week of competition, networking and wellness activities in Gwanda next month.
The national event, which runs from September 11 to 18, will bring together Government employees from different ministries for sporting, arts and cultural activities aimed at promoting health, teamwork and unity within the public service.
Last year’s festival was hosted by Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, while Matabeleland South has been given the responsibility of staging the 2026 edition under the theme, “Healthy nation, productive workforce.”
Participants will compete in a wide range of sporting disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, athletics, chess, darts and tug of war. Traditional games, aerobics sessions and the popular Walk for Life programme will also form part of the festival.
Beyond sport, the event will showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity through arts competitions such as Nharire Yomusha, choir contests and the National Fabric Fashion Show.
Matabeleland South Provincial Deputy Director in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Promise Dube, said the games play an important role in promoting the wellbeing of government workers.
He said modern workplaces require employees to maintain not only professional excellence but also good physical and mental health.
“Recognising this need, the Inter-Ministerial Games have been designed as an annual initiative that leverages the power of sport and recreation to foster collaboration, friendship and unity among government employees,” said Dube.
According to organisers, the event is about far more than winning medals and trophies. It is intended to strengthen relationships between ministries and encourage Government workers to interact outside formal office environments.
Dube said the festival supports the Government’s broader goal of encouraging institutions to work together more effectively.
“The 2026 edition of the Inter-Ministerial Games aims to promote the whole of Government approach where in political science, this is often referred to as joined-up government, where sports activities break down bureaucratic silos.”
“These games provide a platform for social interaction, physical activity, and the promotion of physical fitness within the public sector workforce. The 2026 edition theme emphasises the whole-of-government approach, where sports and arts act as the connective tissue between ministries.”
He said the competition creates opportunities for civil servants from different departments to meet, collaborate and build relationships that can ultimately improve service delivery.
The event also comes at a time when governments around the world are placing greater emphasis on employee wellness. Health experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of inactive lifestyles, which contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Dube said the games directly support Government efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles among public sector workers.
“The initiative aligns with the national drive to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), enhance productivity, and promote social cohesion,” he said.
He added that the festival’s theme reflects the belief that healthy and motivated employees are more productive and better equipped to serve the public.
The games are also expected to contribute towards broader developmental goals by promoting healthier communities and encouraging inclusive participation in sport and recreation.
Dube said the festival is designed to tackle several challenges affecting civil servants, including limited opportunities for physical activity, workplace stress and the lack of interaction between employees from different ministries.
“The Inter-Ministerial Games address critical issues affecting civil servants, including: Physical inactivity and its implications for health; lack of opportunities for social interaction across ministries; the need for improved mental health and stress management through sports, arts, and recreation activities; and enhancing teamwork and inter-ministerial collaboration.”
Through the games, organisers hope to encourage greater participation in sport and recreational activities while creating an environment where workers can showcase their talents, build friendships and strengthen cooperation.
Dube said expected benefits include improved physical fitness, better mental wellbeing and stronger ties among Government departments.
He added that the festival was expected to boost morale among workers and inspire them to perform better in their respective roles.
Another key objective is ensuring wider participation by women and groups that have traditionally had fewer opportunities in sport and recreation.
“With collective efforts from all stakeholders, the games will serve as a benchmark for future initiatives that prioritize the well-being and productivity of public sector employees,” said Dube.
Meanwhile, preparations for the event are progressing steadily, with organisers confident that Gwanda is ready to host the national gathering.
Officials have already identified facilities that will be used for the various sporting and cultural activities, while planning meetings continue as the province fine-tunes arrangements.
Dube said hosting the event was a significant milestone for Matabeleland South and an opportunity to showcase the province’s ability to stage national events.
“So far, we have identified facilities in Gwanda town that will host the games. We are having a series of meetings preparing for the event, as it is of a national magnitude,” said Dube.
With just weeks to go before the opening ceremony, excitement is building as civil servants from around the country prepare to converge on Gwanda for what organisers hope will be a memorable celebration of sport, culture, health and national unity.
