The Health Service Commission (HSC) participated in the just-ended Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival at Mkoba Teacher’s College in Gweru.
The annual Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival transcends the realm of mere athletic competition, establishing itself as an illustrious celebration of health, wellbeing and solidarity within Zimbabwe’s public service sector. This year’s iteration of the festival pulsated with the energy of enthusiastic teams and individuals, eager to showcase not only their athletic prowess but also the bonds of camaraderie that underpin the fabric of the civil service.
Central to the festival’s ethos was the stirring oration by the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, Hon. July Moyo. In his impassioned address, he implored ministries to elevate the significance of wellness and gender parity within their operational frameworks. “I am seeing the value of gender mainstreaming and wellness as demonstrated by the display of the various teams here. In that spirit, I implore the Government to appoint directors of wellness and gender mainstreaming,” he said, underlining the intrinsic connection between a vigorous, healthy workforce and the promotion of productivity and workplace harmony.
“It is not just a festival but a vibrant celebration of life, health, and progress,” he said, encapsulating the festival’s profound thematic resonance.
This year’s festival was particularly momentous for the HSC , marking their inaugural participation in the prestigious event. Despite being hamstrung by a constrained number of players—thus precluding them from fielding teams for soccer and tug- of war among other disciplines—HSC nonetheless left an indelible mark on the disciplines in which they did compete.
In men’s volleyball, HSC commenced their campaign with an exhilarating and comprehensive triumph over the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. The match was thoroughly one-sided, with HSC’s team exhibiting strategic acumen, athleticism, and coordinated teamwork, resulting in an unequivocal victory. However, this early momentum was tempered in the subsequent round, where HSC encountered the formidable Ministry of Information Communication and Technology (ICT). Despite their valiant efforts, HSC succumbed to defeat in straight sets. A twist in the narrative ensued when the Ministry of ICT, despite advancing to the semi-finals, was disqualified for including non-government employees in their team—a decision that cast a shadow over their progression to the next stage. Ordinarily, HSC would have seen it as an opportunity to get back into the game, however officials were reading from a different book.
HSC’s subsequent contest against the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare proved to be a more evenly balanced affair. Despite a tightly contested match, HSC narrowly fell short, with stringent refereeing decisions playing a pivotal role in their eventual defeat. Nevertheless, HSC’s spirited performance garnered widespread respect from peers and spectators alike.
In netball, HSC once again demonstrated their capabilities, securing victories over the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Their tactical proficiency and synchronized teamwork were palpable throughout. Yet, a narrow defeat at the hands of the Ministry of Mines precluded their progression to the semi-finals. Despite their earlier victories, the margins were insufficient to propel them forward.
The Women’s Volleyball team faced a particularly challenging journey, managing to secure an emphatic solitary victory over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Despite this triumph, they faced stiff competition from seasoned opponents, including the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Ministry of Local Government, and the Attorney General’s Office. While these seasoned adversaries proved too formidable, the team’s perseverance and resolve in the face of adversity earned them respect from both spectators and fellow competitors.
In the realm of athletics, HSC’s representatives displayed commendable effort but were ultimately outpaced by more rigorously trained opponents. Their participation, however, was a testament to their indefatigable resolve, and the lessons derived from this experience will undoubtedly enrich their future endeavors.
Among HSC’s contingent, one individual emerged as an unequivocal luminary: Rufaro Kimberly Mhariwa. Demonstrating a remarkable versatility across multiple sporting disciplines, Mhariwa captivated the audience with her poise and athleticism, particularly in the modeling competition. Out of a competitive field of 31 contestants, she secured an impressive 7th place, earning widespread admiration for her multifaceted talents. Mhariwa’s performance elevated her to the status of the festival’s standout figure within the HSC delegation.
Reflecting on HSC’s participation, Deputy General Manager and head of delegation Mr. Lovemore Marufu expressed both pride in the team’s endeavors and recognition of the festival’s broader significance. “It was an honour for HSC to participate in the Inter-Ministerial Sports Festival. It was an eye-opener and showed us the extent to which MDAs are progressing in fostering staff fitness and wellness. In the future, it will be important for HSC to double its commendable efforts in investing in staff fitness, wellness, and competitiveness,” said Mr. Marufu. He further underscored the essential nature of consistent inter-ministerial competition, rigorous planning, and sustained preparation as the cornerstones of a comprehensive fitness and wellness agenda within the public health sector.
As the festival drew to a conclusion, it became apparent that HSC had etched its name into the fabric of the event. Their inaugural participation may have been characterized by both victories and defeats, but more significantly, it established a solid foundation for future growth, competition, and success. Armed with greater preparation, a deeper roster, and the insights gleaned from this year’s experience, HSC is poised to return as a formidable force in future editions of the festival.
Beyond the mere metrics of wins and losses, the festival served as a resounding reminder of the paramount importance of health and wellness within the public service. It was an arena where relationships were strengthened, team cohesion was solidified, and the collective ethos of Zimbabwe’s public servants was celebrated in its truest form. In this respect, the Health Service Commission emerged not only as competitors but as champions—embodying the spirit of unity, wellbeing, and progress that the festival was designed to celebrate.
