Antony Chawagarira
GWANDA — The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development emerged as the overall champions of the 2026 Inter-Ministerial Sports and Arts Festival after collecting an impressive 24 medals at the week-long event held in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.
The ministry finished the competition with 10 gold, 11 silver, and three bronze medals, underlining its strong performance across various sporting disciplines.
Its success was further recognised when the Ministry was named the Most Organised and Disciplined Sports Ministry, adding to what was an outstanding campaign both on and off the field.
More than 40 teams, representing government ministries, departments, and agencies, took part in the games, which ended on Wednesday and provided public servants with an opportunity to participate in sport, exercise, wellness, and artistic activities.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce emerged victorious in the music competition, adding an artistic dimension to a festival that brought together public servants from across the country.
The festival was held under the theme: “Healthy Nation, Productive Workforce.”
The games were also designed to promote employee engagement, talent development, workplace morale, and social interaction among public servants, while encouraging workers to maintain healthy lifestyles.
Norbert Machinjike, Head of Pay, Benefits Development and Management at the Public Service Commission, said the government remained committed to programmes that promote employee welfare.
“The Public Service Commission remains committed to initiatives that enhance employee well-being and workplace morale. We appreciate that sporting and artistic activities provide opportunities for self-expression, talent development, and positive engagement among employees,” he said.
The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture also underscored the importance of the games in supporting the physical and mental well-being of public servants.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Nicholas Moyo, said the demands of public administration could take a toll on workers, making wellness initiatives an important component of a productive civil service.
“Initiatives by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, such as this Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival, are of paramount importance to our civil service and the broader Zimbabwean community,” he said.
“As public servants, the engine of our nation rests upon your shoulders. Your dedication, intellectual rigour, and day-to-day labour keep the wheels of government turning. However, the rigorous demands of public administration can often take a heavy toll on physical and mental well-being.”
Vice President Colonel (Retired) Dr. Kembo Mohadi, who was represented at the closing ceremony by Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the government would continue supporting the civil service as the country pursues its Vision 2030 development aspirations.
He said the festival was aligned with the National Development Strategy 2, which places emphasis on inclusive growth, human capital development, and structural transformation.
“This festival is strategically aligned with the overarching national framework of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2); it demands a diligent, focused, hardworking, and patriotic citizenry across all sectors to achieve our collective vision,” said Dr. Mohadi.
“It emphasises inclusive growth, human capital development, and structural transformation. A nation cannot modernise, industrialise, or attain its developmental milestones if its human capital is sedentary or unwell, and ignorant or oblivious of what its national symbols embody.”
The Gwanda games went beyond traditional sporting disciplines, with participants also showcasing their talents in music and modelling, reflecting the broader focus of the festival on employee wellness, creativity, and self-expression.
