Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships came to life yesterday at the University of Zimbabwe with Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe underscoring the importance of sport to any community.
Ten countries — Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia and hosts Zimbabwe — are battling it out for honours in the track and field events running until this afternoon.
Zimbabwe last hosted the regional championships a decade ago.
Its return at a time Zimbabwe has seen notable strides in the sport has created excitement as upcoming athletes take advantage of the platform to showcase their talent on home soil.
In a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Emily Jesaya, at the official opening of the championships, Sanyatwe said the meet represents more than competition.
“The championships mark over 10 years since Zimbabwe last hosted this regional event, making this a historic return to the continental spotlight,” he said.
“That we are able to gather here again is a testament to the enduring spirit of regional integration and the unifying power of sport.
“This championship represents more than just competition. It is a cornerstone of SADC’s commitment to youth empowerment, social cohesion and economic development through sport.”
Sanyatwe said Zimbabwe, as the SADC chair, embraced the responsibility to promote platforms that build solidarity, foster excellency and reflect the aspirations of the people.
“We are proud to host this prestigious event and we do so not only as a nation, but as a region united through sport,” he said.
Sanyatwe said sport was an integral component of a country’s development.
“Sport is not a sideshow to development, it is integral,” he said. “It fuels tourism, creates jobs, supports health and education goals and nurtures diplomacy through people-to-people connections.
“In today’s world, environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles guide how we develop and sustain our communities. Sport aligns powerfully with all three.
“Environmentally, we promote green infrastructure in sports facilities. Socially, sport is a tool for inclusion, gender equity and youth empowerment. Governance-wise, fair play, transparency and accountability are the foundation of credible sporting and society institutions.
“We must treat sport as a strategic sector, not just as a social activity.”
Sanyatwe lauded the collaborative effort among various stakeholders, who worked towards ensuring Zimbabwe hosted the meet.
“The journey to this moment has been a collaborative and inspiring one,” he said.
“From the early planning stages led by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) and guided by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to the mobilisation of communities, service providers and Government departments, this has truly been a national effort.”
Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Southern Region president Zakhele Dlamini said the regional competition was a platform for talent identification.
“This championship is more than a one-day sporting event. It is a platform for talent development, for showcasing discipline, teamwork, resilience and excellence.
“Athletics teaches us important life values — leadership, perseverance and unity. These values transcend sport and shape who we become as individuals and as communities,” said Dlamini.
NAAZ president Tendayi Tagara said: “We are happy this event is taking place. It’s a preparation for World Championships, especially for the mixed relay where Botswana are chasing a slot at the World Championships in Japan.
“Our 4x100m relay, they are chasing a global time for the World Championships.”
In some of the events that took place yesterday, Zimbabwe had a promising start, with Kimberly Kachambwa clinching gold in the women’s discus with a 35.69m throw.
It was a clean sweep for Zimbabwe, with Rejoice Nyamajiwa coming second with a 33.14m throw and Wayne Nkomo getting bronze from a distance of 32.34m.
Zimbabwe also dominated the women’s shot put, with Wayne Nkomo taking gold.
Lisa Moyo got silver and the bronze went to Tinashe Run’anga.
Wellington Varevi settled for bronze in the men’s 1 500m, while Martha Chipuriro and Mabambe Mudenda won silver and bronze, respectively, in the women’s event.
Chipuriro posted a time of 4 minutes 45.74 seconds and Mudenda finished the race in 4 minutes 46.41 seconds.
Varevi crossed the finish line in 3 minutes 56.30 seconds.
The official opening ceremony was attended by new Sports and Recreation Commission chairperson Nathaniel Madzivanyika; director-general Eltah Nengomasha; and director (sport and recreation) in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Eugenia Chidhakwa. Hwange Colliery, who are the main sponsors, were represented by chief executive officer William Gambiza.
