By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has dismissed as false a notice issued by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) on September 27, 2025, claiming athletes would now be levied an annual licence fee of US$7 starting from January 1, 2026.
In a statement dated October 2, 2025, the SRC said:
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has taken note of a communication issued by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) dated 27 September 2025 stated ‘ANNUAL LICENCE FEE’ indicating that from 1 January 2026, all athletes are required to pay an annual licence fee of US$7.00 (Seventy United States of America dollars) in order to participate in any athletics event in Zimbabwe. The communication further states that the SRC has directed this decision on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.”
“The SRC wishes to advise that this communication is FALSE and must be DISREGARDED. The Government has NOT issued any directive in relation to an annual licence fee for athletes.”
The Commission also reminded stakeholders of the legal framework governing sport in the country.
“All sporting/recreational activities in Zimbabwe are regulated by the Sports and Recreation Commission Act [Chapter 25:15] of 1991 and regulations promulgated in terms thereof. In this regard, all sporting and recreational activities must be approved by the Sports and Recreation Commission. All National Associations remain responsible for managing levies for their members in accordance with their respective constitutions as well as in terms of the Sports and Recreation Commission Act and associated regulations.”
The SRC urged athletes and the public to ignore the NAAZ communication, stressing that the alleged directive did not originate from them.