Story by Mercy Matinha
GOVERNMENT employees under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development this week set aside office duties for sporting competition as the Intra-Ministerial Sports Tournament took centre stage at Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre in Masvingo.
What began as a week of friendly competition developed into a vibrant display of teamwork, endurance and workplace unity, as staff exchanged office desks for sports fields.
The week-long event, which concluded on Friday, brought together teams from various departments and provinces to compete in sporting, arts and cultural disciplines. Participants were not only vying for trophies but also for pride and camaraderie.
“This tournament has really helped us to unwind and interact with colleagues from other provinces and departments. We spend most of our time in offices, so this kind of platform promotes fitness and teamwork,” said participant Austin Manyere.
Another participant, Nyasha Simbisai, echoed similar sentiments, saying the event had gone beyond competition.
“We are happy with our performance, but more importantly, we have built strong networks and friendships. This is what makes the tournament special,” he said.
Guest of Honour and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the tournament was aimed at promoting wellness, teamwork and productivity among employees.
“This week-long sports tournament was an important event for the Ministry of Agriculture as we sought to bring staff together through sport. We also wanted to ensure inclusivity, promote wellness, and raise awareness on issues around drug and substance abuse. At least 200 athletes from all provinces participated, and we witnessed a strong spirit of unity and collaboration,” he said.
Teams competed across various disciplines, with Harare Cluster 2 outperforming other provinces to claim the coveted Permanent Secretary’s Trophy.
The tournament also serves as preparation for the Inter-Ministerial Sports Competition scheduled for later this year.
