Tinotenda Hove

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially appointed Lieutenant General (Retired) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe as the new Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture during a ceremony held at State House in Harare this Thursday. The event saw Sanyatwe take his oath of office in the presence of his family, as well as both Vice Presidents.

Following the swearing-in, Ambassador Sanyatwe expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the ministry, emphasizing its role in promoting national unity and driving the country’s aspirations forward. He highlighted that sports, arts, and culture are vital instruments for fostering unity, empowering the youth, and stimulating economic progress.

“I am deeply honored by the trust the President has shown in me. Sports, arts, and culture are more than just activities; they are foundational to building a unified nation and promoting our identity. These elements are crucial in shaping our future and reflecting our history,” he remarked.

The new minister emphasized his commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective execution of his duties. “I aim to involve all relevant parties in this journey to ensure we develop and promote our national identity in the most impactful way, both domestically and internationally,” Sanyatwe stated.

Prior to this new role, Lieutenant General (Retired) Sanyatwe served as the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army and also held the position of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania. He succeeds Dr. Kirsty Coventry, who recently assumed the role of president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).