More Officials Than Athletes? Zimbabweans Question Olympic Delegation Size
Zimbabweans have expressed outrage at the size of the official delegation, which accompanied just seven athletes to the Paris Olympics. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga arrived in Paris today, joined by his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi Chiwenga, and a group of senior government officials whose total number was not disclosed.
VP Chiwenga was welcomed at Paris Le Bourget Airport by Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation Hon Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s Charge d’ Affairs in France Emmanuel Zinyuke, and the Zimbabwean team. The Vice President will also engage in business meetings and bilateral discussions during his stay.
Zimbabwe’s Olympic Team
Zimbabwe is represented by seven athletes at the Paris Olympics. The team includes sprinters Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu, long-distance runners Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora, swimmers Denilson Cyprianos and Paige Van der Westuizen, and rower Stephen Cox.
Public Reaction
The size of the delegation accompanying the athletes has sparked reactions on social media. Many Zimbabweans are questioning the necessity of such a large official entourage.
Isaiah Sibanda tweeted,
“Hezvo, how come you just tell us that there are seven athletes and you don’t mention the number of officials. Can you just tell us how many people travelled on taxpayers’ money and we will do the other calculations?”
Calls for Change
Fadzayi Mahere, a prominent figure and former legislator, expressed her concerns on Twitter:
“We need more athletes and not more politicians attending the Olympics. A country with no credible Sports Policy shouldn’t be sending huge delegations to the Games, with respect. We need new leaders.”
Criticism Continues
Another Twitter user, Sal Amanda, commented, “I bet the delegation and officials outnumber the competitors!”
This sentiment was echoed by many others, including Samanyanga, who tweeted, “Our delegation is bigger than our team competing at #Paris2024.”
Wisdom Bhebhe added his voice to the criticism: “Only 7 athletes qualified. The delegation, on ridiculous per diems, is triple the number of athletes smh.”
Government’s Response
So far, there has been no official response from the government regarding the size of the delegation. The focus remains on the athletes’ performance and the Vice President’s engagements in Paris.
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The post We Need More Athletes! – Zimbabweans React To Size Of Delegation Accompanying 7 Athletes To Paris Olympics appeared first on iHarare News.
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