Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe is a proud and happy man.
The Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture cut a jubilant figure at the seventh edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (Rasa), held at the Harare International Conference Centre, where Zimbabwe scooped two major accolades.
The country walked away with the prestigious Country of the Year award, while Zimpapers’ very own Ellina Mhlanga was named Sports Journalist of the Year.
However, the night ultimately belonged to Botswana. Olympic sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo claimed both Sportsman of the Year and the overall Sportsperson of the Year titles. His coach, Kebonyemodise “Dose” Mosimanyane, was named Coach of the Year, while Botswana’s 4x400m relay team took home Team of the Year.
Other winners included Botswana’s Collen Busang Kebinatship, who was crowned Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year.
South Africa also had its moment, with Simon Kruger named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, Mpumelelo Mhlongo taking Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, and Tabitha Chawinga winning Sportswoman of the Year.
Zimbabwe had been in the running for four awards, with Sables coach Piet Benade and USA-based sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu narrowly missing out on Coach of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year, respectively.
Still, nothing could dim Minister Sanyatwe’s shine. He was a constant presence — presenting awards, walking Ellina Mhlanga to the stage, and beaming with national pride.
For Mhlanga, the honour was surreal.
“I would like to thank the African Union Sports Council Region 5 for this great honour. I also want to thank my editors and colleagues at Zimpapers, especially the Zimpapers Sports Hub team, for their guidance and support over the years.
In fact, I want to thank all the people in sport in Zimbabwe — without them, we would not be celebrating this award. It’s encouraging when we get recognised as sports journalists. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank God for making this happen,” she said.
Then came arguably the moment of the night — Minister Sanyatwe taking to the stage to receive the Country of the Year award.
“Barely two months into office and I have already won an award,” he quipped, sending the HICC into a roar of laughter and applause.
In his formal address, the Minister highlighted the deeper significance of sport and the Rasas.
“It is with great joy and honour that I stand before you as we come together to celebrate regional sporting excellence, and the talent and achievements of women and men in sport through this prestigious 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards.
“The RASAs embody Zimbabwe’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and regional integration through sport. They provide a platform for athletes to shine and showcase the incredible sporting talent within our region.
“I firmly believe that through sport, we can inspire the next generation to pursue their passions and dreams. Sport is not just a game — it is a force for unity, empowerment, and national pride across SADC.
“You will note that the 2025 Rasas align with the ministry’s two key outcomes: increasing sports performance and boosting participation in sport and recreation in Zimbabwe, the region, and globally. This initiative strengthens ties among the 10 SADC participating countries and enhances our regional sports diplomacy.
“It also aims to inspire national pride by showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, encouraging investment in sport, and fostering collaboration among athletes and artists.
“Furthermore, the Rasas promote local pride, participation, and tolerance through cultural exchange, creating a lasting impact on future generations. As a nation, we stand proud to demonstrate the intertwined relationship between arts and sports in Zimbabwe,” he said.
