Portfolio committees induction workshop concludes

THE Joint Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture and Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training held a three-day induction workshop at a Bulawayo hotel.

The event covered various topics, including the role, mandate and legislation of the Commission, strategic plans for developing and promoting sports and recreation, reviewing of existing Acts and Bills and recommendations to the Portfolio Committee of Sports.

President of the Senate, Mabel Memory Chinomona, spoke at the event and emphasised that sport is crucial in promoting co-existence and unity among communities.

She also urged legislators to review policies, regulations and laws that create an enabling environment for excellence in sport and recreational initiatives.

“As you are aware, the advent of the 10th Parliament has brought about changes in the membership of the National Assembly, the Senate and indeed the Portfolio Committees of Parliament. In light of these changes, it has become vital to conduct induction workshops, tailor-made to fully equip members to effectively execute their mandatory constitution oversight, representative and legislative responsibilities,” she said.

“It is agreed that Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture are an integral part of the fabric of our society so that Zimbabwe’s development agenda is anchored on our cultural heritage. The expectation is that the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture will push for measures that will promote and preserve our cultural heritage, support artistic endeavours and foster a healthy and active lifestyle among our citizens, especially the youth.

“Wherever the subject of sport is discussed, I am reminded of the famous pronouncement by the late President Nelson Mandela that sport has the power to change the world.

“Indeed, sport is essential in promoting co-existence and unity in diversity among communities.”

She also challenged the legislators to take advantage of their strategic position as members of these portfolio committees to push for the review of policies, regulations and laws that create an environment which allows a vibrant sporting sector to thrive and produce world-class athletes.

“In that respect, I welcome the proposed Sport, Leisure Recreation Bill and the Sports Integrity Bill which I believe will create an enabling environment for excellence in sport and recreational initiatives. In striving for such excellence, the relevant committee should ensure that the ministry produces athletes who measure up to international standards set up by organisations such as Fifa,” she said.

Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Emily Jesaya and the permanent secretary, Nicholas Moyo, were also in attendance. ― @FungaiMuderere