By McGeorge Mbare
The Matabeleland South Provincial Sports Committee, PRSDC, has successfully hosted the Matabeleland South Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games fundraising dinner in Colleen Bawn on Friday night, 17 July 2026, raising over USD 5,000.
The money raised, along with other resources such as maize meal, goats, cattle and equipment will assist the Matabeleland South team that will participate in the Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games scheduled for Marondera from 13 to 26 August 2026.
The funds and other resources will play a critical role in helping the defending champions, Team Mat South, cover costs for accommodation, meal and transportation.
Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, said “Let’s continue supporting the team and contribute to this historic moment for our province to defend its title. Everyone in athletics in Matabeleland South, regardless of physical ability or disability, should be supported by everyone doing business in Matabeleland. We thank everyone who contributed to this team.”
Among the contributors, Terry Mulowa from Beitbridge donated USD 200. Ziyah Media contributed USD 1,000, and Mulowa’s business partners, who requested anonymity, raised USD 1,500 for the fundraising dinner.
Other notable stakeholders included Jahunda Primary , which donated USD 300 and provided a bus for transport.
One of Matabeleland South’s sports enthusiasts, Decent Ndlovu from Gwanda, expressed gratitude to stakeholders and the business community for their support.
“I would like to thank all of you Honourable Minister Nguluvhe, schools, the business community, and individuals for your unwavering support. We have shown what we can do, and we can still do more and prove that we can achieve big things from our province. I am grateful for supporting our winning team,” Ndlovu said.
Also speaking at the event, Ngangezi Khumalo, the Chairperson of PRSDC, said“ the money will assist over 308 Matabeleland South delegates with food, accommodation, and medical support” .
Prior to the fundraising dinner, the Minister of State made a personal donation of USD 500. His counterparts at the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust also donated funds equivalent to USD 15,000 for team regalia.Blanket Mine also contributed USD 3,500 and 405 litres of diesel.
Matabeleland South Province won the 2019 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Championship. The fundraising dinner was an initiative to support and raise funds for the team to feature in the tournament and defend the title.