Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Hundreds of members of arts fraternity bade farewell to former Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister, Dr. Kirsty Coventry, on Wednesday night at the Heritage Village along Solomon Mujuru Drive in Harare.
A ceremony which transformed into a spectacular celebration, bringing together stars, sports administrators, and music lovers to enjoy an evening filled with delicious food and camaraderie.
Dr Coventry is set to leave Zimbabwe to assume her prestigious new role as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
This was after March 20 when she made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to win the IOC presidency, achieving this remarkable feat in a single round of voting and succeeding Thomas Bach.
Dr Coventry served in the Cabinet of Zimbabwe with distinction for seven years, and is leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s sporting and cultural landscape.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in collaboration with various stakeholders, organised a remarkable banquet celebrating not only the achievements of the Zimbabwean arts and sports community but also the unity and spirit that binds them together.
Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, the new Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, was the guest of honour.
Minister Sanyatwe has urged Dr. Kirsty Coventry to continue carrying the Zimbabwean flag with pride.
“It is a special night for all of us as we gather to celebrate a remarkable individual. This is your life − a true champion both on and off the field, a beloved friend and sister, the golden girl. We are here to bid you farewell and not goodbye, as she embarks on a new and profoundly significant chapter as the president-elect of the International Olympic Committee.
“As a swimmer, she graced the world stage with her exceptional talent, bringing immense pride and glory to Zimbabwe, our motherland. Her Olympic medals are a clear testimony to her sheer determination and hard work. She has indeed inspired generations of young athletes to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence,” he said.
Meanwhile Dr Coventry, said the new Minister to continue empowering young talent to realise their potential.
“I was so privileged to see young people in our country who have an extraordinary amount of talent, and it’s our job to ensure that we create an environment for those young talents to succeed and reach their dreams.
“So please keep working hard on their behalf; keep pushing forward the Ministry. Please keep pushing forward all of the different councils and boards because everything and every decision that you’re making today will ensure that the youth of our community reach their full potential,” she said.
On the entertainment scene, renowned musician Jah Prayzah, delivered a scintillating performance.
He performed crowd favourites such as “Chiremerera” and “Ndibikireiwo Doro Munyama Upere.”
The auditorium was alive with top artists, including Albert Nyathi, Hope Masike, Chirikure Chirikure, Sarah Dhliwayo, Peter Churu, and award-winning music promoter Partson Chimbodza.
The level of support that Dr Coventry received was amazing and befitting an Olympian.
Soccer administrators, including new Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi and Simba Bhora Football Club owner Dr Simba Ndoro, followed the proceedings with keen interest.
The night almost turned into a fashion show, with ladies donning floor-length gowns that resonated with the dress code of the evening.
Being a black-tie event, it was encouraging to see most men dapper designer suits, showcasing their fashion sense.
