By Flata Kavinga
The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe, has commended private investor Shephard Chahwanda for contributing to the development of high-standard sporting facilities.
Speaking to journalists after a tour of Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe, he said the stadium represents a significant investment aligned with the Government’s call for private sector participation in national development.
He said individuals like Chahwanda were responding to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision that citizens should play an active role in building the country.
Sanyatwe described the project as “massive”, noting that the stadium’s capacity had been progressively increased from an initial 5,000 to about 15,000 seats, reflecting growing ambition and commitment by the developer.
He added that the facility is close to completion, estimating progress at over 99 percent, with only minor works remaining following inspections by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to the minister, the development of such facilities is critical to improving Zimbabwe’s capacity to host competitive matches and nurture sporting talent.
On infrastructure requirements such as proximity to an airport for international fixtures, Sanyatwe said this falls under other government departments, including the Ministry of Transport.
He noted that his ministry would engage relevant authorities to explore coordinated solutions.
The tour of Chahwanda Stadium is part of the minister’s nationwide assessment of both public and privately developed sports facilities aimed at enhancing the country’s sporting infrastructure.
