SRC Clarifies On Running Licence For Athletes, Throws NAAZ Under The Bus

Zimbabwe Sports Body Contradicts Athletics Association On Running Licence Fees

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has firmly dismissed claims that athletes in Zimbabwe must pay an annual running licence fee from January 2026. The commission stated that no such directive was ever issued by the Government or SRC, and it has now put the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) in a difficult position.

SRC Dismisses NAAZ Circular

In a statement dated 2 October 2025, the SRC described the NAAZ circular of 27 September 2025 as “false and misleading.”

Acting Director General Peter Mudzimiri made the position clear. He said:

“The Government has not issued any directive on licencing of athletes to the SRC or to any National Association. This communication is false and must be disregarded.”

He added that under the Sports and Recreation Commission Act [Chapter 25:15], it is the SRC that authorises all sporting and recreational activities in Zimbabwe.

Will NAAZ Retract And Apologise?

The controversial NAAZ circular had declared that every athlete, from professionals to fun runners, would need to pay US$7.00 (about R130) annually to compete. It also claimed the SRC had received the directive “on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.”

The wording included the phrase “No licence, no race,” sparking outrage among athletes who felt unfairly taxed. Temporary licences were set at US$10.00 (about R185), with penalties threatened against organisers and coaches who ignored the rule.

Now, with the SRC having categorically denied the directive, attention turns to NAAZ. The governing body has made it clear that only its position holds weight. This leaves NAAZ facing pressure to publicly retract the circular and issue an apology to athletes, organisers and the wider public.

At the time of writing, NAAZ had not released any follow-up communication confirming whether it would withdraw the circular or apologise for the confusion caused.