Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE arrival of Jumbo the Mascot at Mzilikazi was marked by sad treatment of young primary school-going drum majorettes and dancers who were denied food after they marched from Mzilikazi Filling Station to Mzilikazi High School under the scorching sun.

They had gathered at the filling station at 11AM but the procession only started around 2PM.

The parade was for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games torch relay ceremony which was being held at Mzilikazi High School.

When the procession got to the school, the organisers could not even offer the kids water but instead, those in charge seemed concerned about adult guests, school heads and teachers, a majority of whom were not even part of the procession.

The kids, some of whom were clearly dehydrated were later given bottles of mineral water which they had to share in pairs.

Reigate district education officer Misheck Ngwenya who was present at the ceremony apologised for what he said was an oversight.

“It did not register in my mind that the kids were being overlooked because I thought everything was going according to plan and expectations,” he said.

Ngwenya had earlier claimed that school heads were told to feed their pupils but one of the heads refuted that in front of him.

Despite the sad treatment of kids, the ceremony was well attended by teachers, headmasters and pupils from various schools in the district who, like in all other provinces, were kept on their toes by the ever energetic Jumbo.

In a keynote address, the guest of honour who is also Reigate district administrator, Fungai Nkuziwalela said the Games come at the right moment for the district and country at large especially after the development and putting into motion of the country’s economic blueprint, Zim-Asset.

“I am delighted that the Games will bring with them opportunities to develop our manpower through interactions and sharing of ideas and above all the opportunities of turning sport into a vibrant industry. Opportunities are also being created for our industries as they will produce various commodities for these Games,” said Nkuziwalela.

The torch relay and Jumbo take a break today but tomorrow a relay ceremony will be held at Mpumelelo Primary School in Mzilikazi district.

You Might Also Like

Comments