By Siphiwo Dlamini
MBABANE – Zama Tsabedze, the Business Development Officer for the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC), has been celebrated for his exceptional contributions to regional sports development. On Saturday, Tsabedze was among five distinguished sports figures honored with the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region V 10-Year Service Award, recognizing his decade-long dedication to advancing youth sports and regional cooperation.
Tsabedze’s journey in sports administration is marked by significant milestones. Notably, he served as the Finance Manager for the Local Organizing Committee during the 2010 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games held in Eswatini. His meticulous financial oversight and strategic planning were instrumental in the successful delivery of this major regional event, earning him widespread recognition.
Beyond his financial expertise, Tsabedze has been a steadfast leader in the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games, serving as Eswatini’s long-standing Chef de Mission. His leadership has been pivotal in fostering team cohesion and ensuring smooth participation in the games. Currently, he is the General Team Manager for the 2024 Namibia Games, where he continues to apply his vast experience to support athletes and officials.
In addition to his operational roles, Tsabedze is also a certified facilitator for the African Union Sports Council Region 5/TAFISA Leadership Course, specializing in the Finance Module. This position shows his commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing within the sports administration community.
Tsabedze’s contributions extend to program coordination and project implementation as the desk officer responsible for Region 5 initiatives in Eswatini. Among his recent achievements is the successful delivery of the 5th Edition of the Regional African Sports Assembly (RASA) in Eswatini, further demonstrating his ability to manage complex sporting events.
As Zama Tsabedze continues to champion sports development in Eswatini and across Region 5, his dedication and expertise remain a beacon of inspiration for emerging sports administrators and athletes alike. The 10-year service award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the growth and success of African youth sports.

