Antony Chawagarira
KWEKWE – The legacy of the late Vice President Simon Vengai Muzenda continues to inspire national development, youth empowerment, and sports promotion, according to Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube.
Two former Cabinet Ministers, Mike Bimha and Dr David Parirenyatwa, also attended the 10th Anniversary commemorative tournament at Kwekwe Golf Club to honour their former Vice President, the late Dr Simon Vengai Muzenda.
Bimha and Parirenyatwa joined scores of golfers—including members of the security sector, amateurs, and junior players—for the charity tournament held in honour of Dr Muzenda.
Their participation added significance to the landmark event, which has now been elevated to a World Amateur Golf Ranking–accredited tournament listed on the Zimbabwe National Golf Calendar.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ncube said the annual event provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the veteran nationalist while promoting sports development and community welfare.
Dr Muzenda, affectionately known as Dr Mzee and the Soul of the Nation, was remembered for his role in the liberation struggle and his commitment to the values of ubuntu, freedom, equality, and justice.
“Today’s event, therefore, underscores our collective desire to celebrate and preserve his immense contributions toward the freedom, independence, and advancement of the majority of Black Zimbabweans,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the Second Republic has continued to safeguard and amplify the legacy of the country’s founding nationalists and liberation war heroes through heritage-based national development initiatives.
These include the preservation and rehabilitation of liberation war sites, adoption of the Heritage-Based Curriculum and Education 5.0 philosophy, establishment of the Chitepo School of Ideology, rollout of the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme, and creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs.
Minister Ncube said the golf tournament has grown beyond commemorating the late Vice President to become a platform for sports development, tourism promotion, and humanitarian support.
He noted that the event is listed on the Zimbabwe National Golf Calendar and has World Amateur Golf Ranking accreditation, providing amateur golfers with opportunities to gain exposure and improve their international rankings.
“The accreditation offers amateur golfers valuable experience, exposure, and opportunities to improve their global ranking, potentially paving the way for professional golf career development,” he said.
The tournament also raises resources for the Simon Vengai Muzenda Sports Foundation, which supports vulnerable members of the community.
Minister Ncube commended the Simon Vengai Muzenda Trust for incorporating Don Bosco Primary School in Mucheke, Masvingo, into its junior golf development programme.
He said the partnership has produced notable talent, including Miriam Masiya, whom he described as a leading female golfer in Zimbabwe and among the top-ranked players in Africa.
The Minister said the tournament’s contribution to sports tourism over the past decade resonates with the National Development Strategy 2, particularly in the areas of job creation, youth entrepreneurship, creative industries, sport, and culture.
He further commended the Zimbabwe Golf Association, Kwekwe Golf Club, donors, exhibitors, organisers, and security sector golfers from the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police, and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for their continued support.
Minister Ncube said the Midlands Provincial Government remains committed to supporting the tournament and the Muzenda family in advancing programmes that promote community empowerment and development.
He urged organisers to expand golf to other parts of the country in line with the Second Republic’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
The tournament, elevated to a high-level function by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was hosted by the Midlands Province for the third consecutive year.
