admin
Nqobile Tshili Sports Correspondent
ZAMBIAN Youth and Sport Minister Vincent Mwale said Africans should strengthen bilateral relations through sports to end xenophobic attacks. Zambian members of Parliament are due to face their Zimbabwean counterparts in soccer and netball games at Luveve Stadium and Inyanda Secondary School in Bulawayo today.
The Zambian MPs arrived in Bulawayo yesterday and are set to leave tomorrow soon after the games.
After their reception at a city hotel, head of delegation Mwale said sport was a unifying force throughout the world.
“As parliamentarians, it’s important that we promote good health, alertness, humility, generosity and oneness. As you may know it, even in troubled countries, sports unite people. When there are sports, people put their differences aside and work together,” said Mwale.
“We recently had xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Sports can be used to end such violence. I want to encourage our people to emulate what we’re doing. There’s no chance for xenophobic attacks if we’re united.”
He said there were few things that made Africans different since people on the continent even shared some languages.
“We were at a Hwange lodge and people there speak my native language. We should embrace foreigners and these games will allow us to promote the sense of belonging.”
He said participating in sporting activities enhanced physical health but busy schedules had robbed Africans of time to exercise.
Parliament of Zimbabwe director of public relations Edward Mbewe said it was not the first time for the two nations to interact socially.
“It becomes easy to relate to someone in a free environment. Interacting through sport gives us a chance to discuss issues freely. We want to enhance bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Zambia,” said Mbewe.
The Zambian MPs will tour Khami Ruins this morning courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
Online Reporter