The government’s explanation on the contentious issue of Zimbabwe’s delegation size to the 2024 Olympics has caused chaos online.
Reports which emerged yesterday suggested that 67 delegates accompanied Zimbabwe’s Olympic team, comprising only 7 athletes. The global athletics showpiece kicks off on 26 July 2024 and ends on Sunday, 11 August 2024.
Allegations and Government Response To Zimbabwe’s 2024 Olympics Delegation Size
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono alleged:
“The world media is once again having a laugh at the expense of Zimbabwe after it sent 67 officials to the Paris Olympics and only 7 athletes. The officials include the country’s Vice President, General Constantino Chiwenga, his wife, and the country’s sports minister, Kirsty Coventry. The Vice President flew into Paris on a private jet.”
Chin’ono said this after Vice President Constantino Chiwenga touched down in Paris yesterday.
Responding to the issue, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, reacted:
“ZIMBABWE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024
Athletes – 7
Team Management – 4
Coaches – 5
Country Delegation – 1
ZOC Officials – 2
Total = 19
Let’s all wish our team well as they represent the flag. Some medals is the best we pray for in this highly competitive global event.”
Online Reactions
This evoked mixed sentiments online.
Hopewell Chin’ono:
“Your list is incomplete because it doesn’t have the sports minister. It doesn’t have the VP and his team.”
Itso:
“VP was reported to have gone for the opening ceremony,together with his delegation to make it 67 people.”
King:
“Post the cabinet authority here and the itinerary as well.”
Zaza:
“Akomana munononoka ku addressa misinformation and disinformation.”
The seven Zimbabwean athletes at the Olympics are sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba, long-distance runners Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora, swimmers Denilson Cyprianos and Paige Van der Westuizen, and rower Stephen Cox.
State media reported that on 24 July, VP Chiwenga had a meeting with 30 people from MEDEF International, a federation of French businesses.
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