First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa a fortnight ago pushed for the cancellation of a reception of the country’s senior netball team by Mayor of Harare, Herbert Gomba so she could instead be the one hosting the girls first.
THE exploits of the netball team at the just-ended Vitality Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, attracted a huge attention from all corners of the country and the MDC run City of Harare had resolved to host the girls on their arrival.
There cocktail was unceremoniously postponed after what sources claimed was a result of intervention from the first lady.
The Gems, who went to Liverpool ranked 13th, finished the tournament at number eight and flew the country’s flag high with some good performances.
This attracted the attention of a full Harare City Council meeting where it was resolved that the team would be hosted at the Town House.
The team was yesterday feted with hampers by the First Lady while Government also chipped in with a ZWL$20 000 bonus for each player.
Speaking at the luncheon, the First Lady said the recent participation by the team at the tournament — where they finished eighth — showed that more women were taking up sports to empower themselves. She said the Gem’s exploits not only elevated local sport, but also cemented their role as the country’s ambassadors.
“I am reliably informed that in the history of our country this was the first time for a senior women’s team to qualify for a netball world cup, and coming up in the top ten among the world’s strongest netball teams is no minor achievement. Surely, it is slowly dawning on us that our women have a competitive advantage in sport and need our support in the manner we did for these girls. Our participation at the Vitality Netball World Cup competition was a milestone achievement in terms of our envisioned sport diplomacy as underlined by the national sport and recreation policy.”
The First Lady said sport diplomacy could help aid the country’s charm offensive. She said the netball team managed to lift the country’s flag high.
“And if the truth is to be told, it was evident for all of us to see that in Liverpool our girls did justice for us. They managed to pull the rest of the Zimbabwean community in the diaspora and extensively managed to sell the Zimbabwean brand. To the Gems: Zimbabwe really appreciates the ambassadorial role which you played. I sincerely hope our overseas hosts who supported us will also come to the home of the Gems right here in Zimbabwe for an experience with our stunning scenery and unique culture,” she added.
Mnangagwa said, “Sport does not only boast of some of the best sporting spectacle in the world, but it has also produced many positive role models who are an inspiration to young women and men around the world.”
She also thanked the corporate world for supporting the team and implored them to continue with their assistance.
Speaking at the same occasion, Minister for Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry said the Gems were role models in the community and they had a huge role in supporting upcoming youths.
“I wanted to give a bit of advice from someone who has been able to do the same thing that you have done: you have a huge responsibility on your shoulders, you are now role models, not only to your family members, but also to young women and girls throughout the country. They are looking up to you, please continue shining.”
Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs Oliver Chidawu applauded Mrs Mnangagwa for supporting the team. He also said sport played an integral role in the community as it contributed to empowerment.
“As Harare Metropolitan province, we are very much alive to the role sport and recreation plays in transforming livelihoods. Sports and recreation as an industry is able to sustain livelihoods in communities, thereby contributing to Government thrust of empowerment and reducing unemployment and poverty.”
A local firm, Tiger and Wheels, also pampered the team with hampers. The luncheon was attended by representatives from embassies from Palestine, Algeria and Turkey.