Zimbabwe’s Olympic Delegation Sparks Controversy: Former Minister Criticizes Minister Coventry’s Silence
A heated debate has erupted in Zimbabwe over the country’s participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics, with former Cabinet Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo leading the charge against Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry. The controversy surrounds the revelation that Zimbabwe’s delegation to the Games includes only seven athletes but 67 officials.
Respected Ugandan journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo initially brought the issue to light on social media, sparking concerns about the efficiency of Zimbabwe’s sports administration. Professor Moyo, who posted his comments on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his dismay at the lack of official response from Zimbabwean Olympic authorities.
“Apart from the fact that it is an embarrassing dent on Zimbabwe’s reputation and standing in the comity of nations, this post by @cobbo3, a senior and respected African journalist, that the official Zimbabwean delegation to the Paris Olympics has seven athletes and 67 officials is concerning evidence of what happens when information on an official and international event – such as Zimbabwe’s participation in the 2024 Olympics in Paris – is incompetently communicated or, worse, is not communicated at all,” Professor Moyo posted.
The former minister’s comments highlighted the absence of an official response from Zimbabwean Olympic authorities, with the only mentions of the delegation’s composition coming from personal social media accounts of senior government officials like Nick Mangwana. Professor Moyo argued that this lack of official communication exacerbates the situation and tarnishes the country’s international image.
“Disappointingly, @TeamZimOlympic, which has an active account on this platform, has said nothing about the matter. Even more disappointing, @KirstyCoventry, the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture – who is an internationally renowned and accomplished five-time Olympian – has been conspicuous by her silence on a matter whose responsibility is squarely her remit,” Professor Moyo said.
Professor Moyo questioned Coventry’s role and visibility in addressing the issue, noting the disservice to the public by those who fail to perform their duties despite being well-compensated. The controversy has sparked widespread debate in Zimbabwe, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s sports administration.
