By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has called on all districts in his province to rally behind Team Matabeleland South ahead of the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games.
Nguluvhe said each of the seven disctricts should equally own the team because i represented the province.
He was speaking at the Fundraising Dinner for the team in Colleen Bawn on Friday.
“The trophy does not belong to Gwanda District alone. It belongs to the whole province. We should all own the team because it is Team Matabeleland South,” he said.
Nguluvhe challenged Rural District Councils (RDCs) to support the fundraising campaign and ensure they attend future fundraising events.
He was disappointed seeing only three of the province’s seven districts were represented at the dinner.
Nguluvhe also tasked the Matabeleland South Provincial Sport and Recreation Development Committee with widening the fundraising drive.
He suggested that every RDC be given a fundraising target.
“Engage everyone. Give each RDC a target to contribute and bring the money to you, not the other way round,” he said.
Nguluvhe also put mining companies on notice, saying businesses extracting minerals in the province must give back to local communities.
“You cannot come here, take our minerals and fail to support development. You cannot leave the community with nothing,” he said.
The fundraising campaign aims to raise US$150,000 for the province’s participation at the Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games.
To date only 14 percent has been raised.
The money will cover affiliation fees, transport, accommodation, meals, healthcare and sporting kits.
The games will be held in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province, from August 13 to 26, 2026.
The Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games make a highly anticipated return following a five-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.