Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
THE Simon Vengai Muzenda Golf Tournament has been elevated to a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) accredited event and is now officially listed on the Zimbabwe National Golf Calendar, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, has announced.
Speaking at the opening of the tournament’s 10th anniversary edition at Kwekwe Golf Club on Saturday, Minister Ncube described the accreditation as a significant milestone for the charity event, which has grown steadily over the past decade.
“The accreditation offers amateur golfers valuable experience, exposure and opportunities to improve their global ranking, potentially paving the way towards professional golf career development,” he said.
He said the tournament has, over the past 10 years, contributed to the growth of sports tourism in host provinces, in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) pillar on Job Creation, Youth Entrepreneurship and Development, the Creative Industry, Sport and Culture.
In recognition of the family’s community welfare initiatives, Minister Ncube handed over US$10 000 to the Simon Vengesai Muzenda family on behalf of Midlands Province.
He said President Mnangagwa continues to mobilise resources for the SV Muzenda Sports Foundation, which supports vulnerable members of communities across the country.
Minister Ncube also commended the SV Muzenda Trust for incorporating Don Bosco Primary School, located near Dr Simon Vengesai Muzenda’s former residence in Mucheke Suburb, Masvingo, into its junior golf development programme.
“I am reliably informed that Mirriam Masiya, the current Junior and Senior number 1 female golfer and top 4 ranked in Africa, is a product of the S.V Muzenda partnership with Don Bosco Primary School,” Minister Ncube said.
He expressed appreciation to the Zimbabwe Golf Association, the S.V Muzenda Sports Foundation, Kwekwe Golf Club, organisers, sponsors, exhibitors and invited guests for their role in making the tournament a success.
The Minister also paid tribute to golfers from the country’s security services, including the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), for their continued participation and support of the event.
He further thanked President Mnangagwa for elevating the tournament into a high-profile national event, which Midlands Province has now hosted for the third successive year.
Minister Ncube urged organisers to continue expanding the reach of golf across the country in line with the Government’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind.
