Prestigious honours for Dr Chidakwa , Nedbank Zimbabwe
STAFF WRITER
Dr. Eugenia Chidakwa, Director of Sport and Recreation in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Nedbank Zimbabwe have been conferred with the prestigious Medal of Honour for their exemplary leadership and commitment to inclusive sports development in the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5.
The distinguished accolades were presented by the President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during a high-level ceremony celebrating outstanding service to sport across Southern Africa.
Dr. Chidakwa, a seasoned administrator and trailblazer in the regional sporting arena, was recognised for more than two decades of influential leadership dedicated to growing sport, advancing gender equity, and empowering youth through inclusive policies and strategic frameworks. Her pivotal role in crafting the AUSC Region 5 Sport Policy and Strategy, as well as establishing the Women in Sport Commission, has left a lasting impact on regional sport development.
“Dr. Chidakwa’s contributions are not only historic, they are transformative. Her vision for inclusivity, equity and sustainable sporting ecosystems has redefined sport governance across our region,” read part of the citation at the awards ceremony.
The Medal of Honour is one of the highest commendations awarded within AUSC Region 5, recognising individuals and institutions that have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the development and integration of sport as a tool for social progress.
In parallel recognition, Nedbank Zimbabwe received the Medal of Honour for its instrumental role in financing and supporting sport across the region. Through strategic partnerships, grassroots funding, and infrastructure development, the financial institution has become a critical enabler of athletic excellence and regional cohesion.
Nedbank’s investment in sport has extended far beyond sponsorships—it has helped cultivate platforms where young athletes thrive, and where sport is used as a vehicle for community development and national pride.
“The role of corporate citizens like Nedbank in shaping the sporting landscape cannot be overstated,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah noted. “Their support translates into opportunity, resilience, and transformation across our youth and communities.”
The dual recognition of Dr. Chidakwa and Nedbank underscores the synergy between visionary leadership and private sector support in propelling inclusive sport as a cornerstone of regional development.
The honours also spotlight Zimbabwe’s growing influence in regional sport governance, with Dr. Chidakwa emerging as one of Southern Africa’s most respected voices in sports policy, advocacy, and empowerment.
These prestigious awards serve not only as recognition of past accomplishments but also as an inspiration for continued collaboration between governments, development partners, and corporate institutions in building a future where sport becomes an enduring tool for unity, empowerment, and socio-economic progress.
