By Ntokozo Magongo
EZULWINI – The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima has urged the newly appointed Board of the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) to make sure more of Emaswati do sports.
The Minister unveiled the Board on Friday at Sibane Sami Hotel with former Chairman Celucolo ‘Dino’ Dlamini retaining his post. Other Board Members are Dan Jabu Mavuso, Kate Reilly-Warr, Nelisiwe Makhosazana Nzima, Mncobi Linda Mkhonta, Olive Zibukele Simelane, Prince Mlayeto, Hilton Dlamini and Darius Dlomo (Secretary/CEO).
The Board will be in office for the next coming three years.
“As you begin your work, I challenge you to ensure that we expand our work on mass participation by getting more emaSwati to play sport in all corners of the Kingdom. We must also increase the participation of women and persons with disabilities in sport, making sport inclusive and accessible to all our people,” said the Minister.
Nzima said extending his deepest appreciation to the outgoing Board for the work they did in driving the work of the ESRC forward. He said over their period in office, the ESRC has experienced tremendous growth, and in turn, contributed to the development of sport in Eswatini.
During my short time in office, I have enjoyed my interactions with the outgoing Board and I have witnessed their passion and commitment to the cause. I therefore thank all members of the previous Board for dedicating themselves to the task. I now take this moment to congratulate all members of the incoming Board. We hope that you will take over the baton and run,” he added.
Nzima said their ethos as the whole of Government for this period is ‘Nkwe,’ as commanded by His Majesty King Mswati III. He said he expect the Board to hit the ground running while working in unity.
“Our High Performance Programme is key to developing elite athletes that can hold their own in international stages. We must develop this programme to ensure that more of our athlete’s transition from junior and amateur ranks to elite level, reaping the country more podium finishes on the global stage.
The Board we are unveiling here today represents continuity, fresh ideas, and experience acquired from a 5 wide variety of professional fields. These members bring together experience in various fields, including sport, finance and business,” he concluded.
The new ESRC Board:
• Mr. Celucolo Dino Dlamini (Chairperson)
• Mr. Dan Jabu Mavuso
• Ms. Kate Reilly-Warr
• Ms. Nelisiwe Makhosazana Nzima
• Mr. Mncobi Linda Mkhonta
• Mr. Olive Zibukele Simelane
• Prince Mlayeto
• Mr. Hilton Dlamini (Ministry of Finance representative)
• Mr. Darius Dlomo (Secretary/CEO)
