The ongoing dispute between Zimbabwe Swimming and Zimbabwe Aquatics has left parents and kids confused, with two separate senior National Galas announced.
Zimbabwe Swimming, led by Zanele Nkomazana, is hosting its event in Bulawayo to celebrate the city’s swimming pool’s 100-year milestone, while Nokuthula Cyprianos, appointed by Zimbabwe Aquatics, is hosting a rival gala in Harare.
A parent, Siqokoqela Mphoko, has withdrawn his kids, Shane and Senamile Mphoko, from the Harare event, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the competition.
In a letter, Mphoko states: “It is with a heavy heart that my wife and I withdraw our children from the competition being hosted and run by Harare Province and held in Harare as “ Senior National Championships”.
“Zimbabwe Swimming in clause 1.1 of the Zimbabwe Swimming Constitution has the sole jurisdiction over the control and management of swimming ( events ) in Zimbabwe. What Zimbabwe Aquatics has done to run the national league together with Harare swimming is unconstitutional.
“We will not be part of an illegality and support such unfairness and injustice to the swimming community. My children and I were taken to court by Mrs Cyprianos for my Candidature as the BASA Chairman. I have written several complaints, appeals to Zimbabwe Aquatics and the Sport and Recreation Committee but no action has been taken. Justice has been denied.”
A swimmer, speaking on anonymity, said he’s not participating in the Harare gala as a protest, hoping the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) will act quickly to resolve the issue.
“As swimmers we need each other to get good times but if others are left out it’s no longer fun to get on the water. Medals are nice when winning them on integrity, not like what is happening now,” the swimmer told Fanzone.
Master swimmer and parent Nikkie Onovo told Fanzone that she’s lost her job and her daughter’s been victimized for speaking out against the swimming dispute.
“I’m not going to Harare because I don’t have a club. The club I was in removed me, and I’m trying to get back; I’ve received no response. I’ve knocked on almost every government door I know, seeking intervention, but SRC is quiet. We, as swimmers, are suffering.” said Onovo.
The gala supposed to be held in Bulawayo has been put on hold, and Zimbabwe Swimming, led by Zanele Nkomazana, is still awaiting a response from SRC regarding the ongoing parallel structures and Zimbabwe Aquatics’ interference.
