Ivan Zhakata, Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Kirsty Coventry, following her historic election as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In a statement yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Minister Coventry has made Africa proud by becoming the first African to hold the position in the 131-year history of the IOC.
“Thursday 20th March, 2025, will remain etched in the annals of history, both in Zimbabwe and across the entire world, as one of our own, Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation, Honourable Kirsty Coventry, was elected the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, garnering 49 votes out of a possible 97,” he said.
“This incredible win comes iced with the shattering of three records, all broken at the same time. Kirsty Coventry made Africa proud by becoming the first African person to hold the position in the 131-year history of the sports body.
“In addition, she becomes the first woman and the youngest person to achieve this feat! For Zimbabwe, this achievement, huge and historic as it is, comes as no surprise.”
President Mnangagwa said the country has witnessed Minister Coventry’s meteoric rise in the world of sport from being a multiple Olympic champion to a leader.
“Your approach to sport has always been marked by intense passion, focus and fierce determination, singling you out as a go-getter who accepts no defeat,” he said.
“Today, with the flag of Zimbabwe flying high up, I am proud to give you well-deserved congratulations. You have lifted your country high. In centuries to come, whenever the history of the IOC is spoken about or written down, Zimbabwe will be mentioned as having produced the first woman president; the first African president and the youngest president.
“Even as you tackle the huge challenges that lie ahead in the new job, I am very confident that you will, undoubtedly, hold your own. You will be no push over and you will do justice to the task that awaits.
“I wish you all the best, and success in your tenure as the International Olympic Committee president. Nhasi ndezveduwo! Zimbabwe is proud of you. Well done Kirsty Coventry!”.
Minister Coventry, a seven-time Olympic swimming medalist and former world record-holder, has been a key figure in Zimbabwe’s sports administration.
Her new role as IOC president is expected to bring fresh perspectives and stronger African representation in global sports governance.
The news of Minister Coventry’s election has been met with celebrations across Zimbabwe, with athletes, officials and citizens applauding her for breaking barriers on the international stage. Many view her presidency as a milestone in promoting inclusivity, athlete welfare and increased opportunities for African nations within the Olympic movement.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa attended the inauguration of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek yesterday, marking a historic moment for the Southern African country.
She becomes Namibia’s first female Head of State.
The event, which coincided with celebrations to mark Namibia’s 35th independence celebrations, was attended by President Mnangagwa, who is also the SADC Chairperson, and several Heads of State including Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan who was the guest of honour.
Other leaders who attended are President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.
The inauguration ceremony began with the arrival of President Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House, where she was greeted by outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba. President Nandi-Ndaitwah (72), who won last November’s general election with 58 percent of the vote, was then sworn in followed by speeches from various dignitaries including President Hassan.
In an interview after the inauguration ceremony, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of support and unity in the region.
“We need to continue supporting each other as the region; this is what it ought to be. It is the only way our region will grow if we share our perspectives as respective countries and move forward.
“Unity is key among our members.”
As the SADC chairperson, President Mnangagwa’s attendance highlighted the significance of this historic moment for Namibia and the region.
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