Zimpapers Logo

Workers busy laying the first part of the tartan track while the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa (second, right) raises a point with his Principal Director Paul Damasane during a tour of White City Stadium yesterday. At the centre is the Principal Director in the Office of the Vice-President, Benson Dube

Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
MINISTER of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa yesterday toured White City Stadium where he found workmen busy laying the tartan track and assured the nation that the facility will be ready for the Africa Union Region 5 Games next week.

Contractors were busy on the home straight laying the track ahead of sticking the pebbles while others were working on the jumping and throwing pits.

After the tour Minister Langa said they were happy with the progress at White City. He said the facility had always been their worry but he was now convinced that when the Games are officially opened by President Mugabe next week, the facility would be ready for use.

“As you know White City has always been our worry. As you can see it’s good work in progress and we can assure the nation that White City will be ready for the Games. They are now laying the tartan track. It’s a sign we are on track and what is left is for the Bulawayo community to support the Games,” said Minister Langa.

He challenged city residents and those from surrounding areas to come in their numbers to the opening ceremony at Barbourfields Stadium on December 5.

“His Excellency President Mugabe will officially open the Games. We would like to see a packed Barbourfields Stadium. We want the nation to come and give Team Zimbabwe moral support, the athletes will need that against the visiting countries,” said Minister Langa.

He challenged the local authority to ensure that after the Games the facility will be easily accessible to the masses and that it’s well maintained.

“We do not want to see this to stay a white elephant. There has to be regular activity and it has to be maintained to the highest standards,” said Minister Langa.

After White City Stadium, Minister Langa, who was accompanied by the Principal Director in the Vice President’s Office Benson Dube and Principal Director in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture Paul Damasane proceeded to Sobukhazi High School in Mzilikazi.

Six hundred school kids were busy with mass displays at the netball courts while 102 artistes among them some of the country’s best dancers and instrumentalists were going through their paces in preparation for the opening and closing ceremonies set to be a spectacle.

Top choreographer Richard Ndlovu kept a watchful eye on the artistes while Jonathan James Pandehuni was in charge of the 250 Sobukhazi, a similar number from Mzilikazi High School and 100 from Godlwayo Primary School pupils.

Damasane said he was impressed by the commitment and indulgence by the city artistes and school children.