Harare, (New Ziana) —Zimbabwe will host the 2025 edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) on May 24 this year, a celebration of athletic excellence and the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated African continent.
Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe made the announcement, adding that President Emmerson Mnangagwa would preside over the event, highlighting its importance to national development and regional integration.
“The Guest of Honour is none other than the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, as well as the SADC Chairman, His Excellency, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa,” he said.
Organised under the auspices of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, this year the ceremony will, in addition to honouring athletes, shine a spotlight on the growing reputation of Zimbabwe as a regional sporting hub.
The awards recognize outstanding achievements across ten Southern African countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
They span categories such as Junior Female and Male Sportspersons of the Year, Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year (including those with disabilities), Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Sports Confederation of the Year.
Also included are awards for Sports Journalist of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year, and the prestigious AUSC Region 5 Award for Country of the Year.
“The awards serve not only as a celebration of athletic achievement, but also as a platform to foster regional solidarity, promote gender equality, and encourage participation in sport,” said Sanyatwe.
He emphasized that Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host the event stems from its proven capacity to deliver high-profile international sports occasions, referencing the well-received 2014 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games and various meetings hosted in 2024.
To ensure seamless execution, a national steering committee has been established to work with the AUSC Region 5 secretariat on logistics, security, technical standards, and hospitality.
In addition to the awards, guests will be treated to cultural performances, art exhibitions, and culinary experiences showcasing Zimbabwean heritage.
“The Ministry reaffirms the nation’s commitment to using sport as a tool for economic growth, national branding, social inclusion, and international cooperation,” Sanyatwe added.
“We call upon all Zimbabweans and stakeholders to embrace this opportunity and support our efforts.”
Since its inception in 2016, RASA has grown to become a beacon of unity, perseverance, and hope in the region, honouring not just sporting talent but also the values that bind Southern Africa together.
New Ziana
