Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
DEPUTY Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi has been retained as chairman of the Bulawayo Sports Development Committee. He and members of the committee were unveiled in Bulawayo on Monday afternoon.
Modi has been part of the committee for much of the last decade. However, the organisation’s operations were halted in 2020 when Covid -19 disrupted sporting and industrial activity.
Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) officer in charge for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Sam Dzvimbu, confirmed the revival of the body. He said significant responsibility rested on those appointed, adding that the return of members who previously served would ensure continuity and a smoother resumption of programmes.
The first board was established in 2011.
“The setting up and appointment of the Bulawayo City Sports Development Committee is in line with the Sport and Recreation Commission expectations. These committees must be in place to support Government thrust in the promotion of sport and development of sport and recreational facilities in communities.
“The first committee was put in place in 2011 and was headed by Deputy Minister Raj Modi. Their activities were curtailed by the Covid era challenges. I am happy that Modi has accepted to serve again, he appreciates what has to be done and it should be easy because we have others who were in the old structure still around,” said the SRC boss for Bulawayo.
Dzvimbu said Bulawayo’s influence in national sport had declined over the years and noted that the committee would collaborate with Bulawayo City Council to revive sporting and recreational facilities as well as work with associations in talent identification and development.
“They have to champion the revival of Bulawayo sport and ensure there are facilities to use. Bulawayo has an advantage over other cities in that the facilities are there and just need a new lease of life and extra equipment,” said Dzvimbu.
He added that the old club system, which historically kept youths positively engaged, remained a critical tool in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“If we get the whole of Bulawayo active in sport, we will promote health lifestyles among our people and develop talent. We have to ignite interest and get things going,” said Dzvimbu.
He noted that, unlike rural provinces where the SRC must engage with multiple councils, Bulawayo’s single local authority — the Bulawayo City Council — made co-ordination easier. The council once excelled in providing youth and community sporting facilities across both low and high density suburbs.
Dzvimbu also expressed excitement over the committee’s revival at a time when Government is restoring the once successful Zimbabwe National Youth and National Paralympic Games.
“The approach is also inclined towards multi-sport, the Paralympic and Youth Games are returning. They will be tasked with looking for resources and assembling teams for those Games and also to bid to play host to some of the major multi-sports activities. Bulawayo has the experience and facilities to spearhead the revival,” said Dzvimbu.
Modi will be deputised by city businessman Jabulani Nkomo, who has years of experience in sport. Other members include swimming official Phawulani Ngwenya, Madinda Ndlovu, Caroline Mapondga, James Batsirayi Ngwenya, Lawrence Mkwala, Nokuthula Manungo, Tsvagai, Nkosi Sivela, Brian Matoro, Sinatra Nyathi, Gration Mahanchi, Johane Marufu, Clemence Kunzekweguta, Watson Madanyika, as well as representatives from the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) and the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash).
Permanent Secretary in the Resident Minister’s Office, Paul Nyoni, will supervise the body together with Boatsoarelo Noko, Isaiah Mpofu and Bernard Mazambani.
Bongani Sibanda is the chef de mission.
