Politicians from the former ruling party in the province positioned themselves in key posts for the event, which resulted in dismal organisation and apathy from local communities.
The head of the Local Organising Committee, Christopher Gwatidzo, is eying the Gweru urban seat on a Zanu (PF) ticket. He was a member of the party’s disbanded District Coordinating Committee. Above him was Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa who was given the post of the games’ ambassador last month, while politburo member Cephas Msipa was made patron.
The party’s national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo was Guest of Honour while central committee member July Moyo was given a platform to address participants. A report by a technical committee of the games pointed out that all venues for the games were “not standard.”
“The LOC failed to gather the $330,000 needed because sponsors had no confidence in people in front of fundraising. All presiding officials had to strike on day 2 to push for payment of their dues,” said one official.
Gwatidzo said logistical challenges were “a result of sanctions” – saying his committee did manage to feed all participants.
Post published in: News