Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORTS, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe is a very proud and happy man.
The Minister cut the figure of a proud day during the seventh edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), held at the Harare International Conference Centre, where the country walked away with two awards.
Zimbabwe won the Country of the Year award while Zimpapers’ very own Ellina Mhlanga was named the Sports Journalist of the Year.
The night, however, belonged to Botswana as their Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo walked away with the coveted Sportsman and Sportsperson of the Year awards.
His trainer, Kebonyemodise Dose Mosimanyane, was named the coach of the year while Botswana’s 4X400 relay team was named team of the Year.
Among the other winners were the likes of Collen Busang Kebinatship, also from Botswana, who was crowned junior male sportsperson of the year.
South Africa’s Simon Kruger (Sports Woman of the Year with A Disability), Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Sportsman of the Year with a Disability) and Tabitha Chawinga (Sports Woman of the Year) also made their way to the winners’ podium.
Zimbabwe went into the awards vying for four awards, but Sables gaffer Piet Benade and United States of America-based sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu missed out on the coach of the year and the dual of sportsman and sportsperson of the year awards respectively.
However, that didn’t deter the Zimbabwe Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister from having the good time. Mhlanga, who won her sports journalist of the year award, described the moment as surreal and a highlight for her on the night.
“I would like to thank the African Union Sports Council Region 5 for this great honour,” said Mhlanga, after the awards ceremony.
“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, for without them we would not be celebrating this award.
“It’s encouraging when we get recognised as sports journalists.
“Lastly, and mostly importantly, I want to thank God for making this happen,” she said.
Minister Sanyatwe then had arguably the best speech and moment of the entire evening as he collected Zimbabwe’s gong for country of the year.
“Barely two months into office and I have already won an award,” said the minister, as the whole auditorium erupted into applause.
In his address, however, the minister went on stress the importance of sport, as a whole, and the RASA awards in particular.
“It is with great joy and honour that I stand before you as we come together to celebrate the presentation of regional sports excellence, the talent and achievements of women and men in sport through this prestigious 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards, RASA,” he said.
“The Regional Annual Sports Awards event embodies Zimbabwe’s commitment to foster a spirit of inclusivity and regional integration through sport.
“They provide a platform for athletes to shine by profiling the incredible sporting talent that exists within our region.
“It is my strong conviction that through sport, we can inspire the next generation to pursue their passions and dreams.
“We are reminded that sport is not just a game. Rather, it is a force for unity within the region. “It is also meant for empowerment and national pride as Africans in SADC,” he said.
He added; “you will realise that the 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards seek to champion the Ministry’s two key outcomes.
“These are to increase sport performance and to increase participation of sports and recreation in Zimbabwe and the region, not forgetting the world at large.
“This initiative will strengthen ties among the 10 SADC participating countries and strengthen our regional sport diplomacy.
“It also seeks to inspire national pride by showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich heritage and encouraging participation and investment in sports, as well as fostering collaboration among athletes and artists.
“Furthermore, the Regional Annual Sports Awards promotes local pride and participation, fosters tolerance through cultural exchange and aims to create a lasting impact on future generations to come.
“As a nation, we stand proud to demonstrate the intertwined relationship of arts and sports in Zimbabwe,” he said.
