Sanyatwe breathes fresh air into Sports ministry

A video that went viral last week shows newly appointed Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe actively confronting contractors over delays in the renovation of the National Sports Stadium. In the footage, Sanyatwe demands clear explanations for the slow progress, questioning the absence of generators and unfinished tasks on site.

Sanyatwe, who took over the sports portfolio after Kirsty Coventry's departure to the International Olympic Committee, insisted that the contractors accelerate work to meet crucial deadlines.

The minister's proactive approach follows a series of events highlighting his hands-on leadership style. Last week, after a tragic car accident involving golfers-resulting in one fatality and hospitalisation of two foreign nationals from Ghana and Malawi-Sanyatwe personally visited the injured at a private hospital the morning after the crash.

On Monday, he also attended the burial of Sensei Mugove Muhambe, a respected karate and fitness trainer who died in a separate car accident in Harare.

Although Sanyatwe's tenure as Sports Minister is still in its infancy, his involvement and sense of urgency have been widely praised. Many view his approach as a refreshing change in government leadership and urge him to maintain this level of dedication.

The National Sports Stadium renovation, long plagued by delays and missed targets, is a project requiring his focused attention. Zimbabwe's senior men's national football team-the Warriors-has been forced to play home matches in Rwanda, Uganda, and South Africa due to the stadium's unavailability. This has undoubtedly been a disadvantage as they prepared for FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 finals.

Currently, the bulk of major renovation work at the stadium is complete. Bucket seats have been installed, with contractors now concentrating on water reticulation, laying a new pitch, and resolving drainage issues. Recent weeks have seen an increase in the pace of work, signaling that the stadium may be ready by September-a crucial timeline for Zimbabwe's upcoming football fixtures.

Sanyatwe's direct involvement and demand for accountability are seen as positive signs that the long-delayed project will finally be completed. This renewed vigor in government action is welcomed not just in sports but as a standard for all public officials.

His early days in office suggest a minister committed to delivering results, and Zimbabwean sports fans will be hoping this momentum continues to build.