Zimbabwe Set to Host the 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA)

All is set for Zimbabwe to host the prestigious 2025 edition of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), which is scheduled for May 24, 2025, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), located at Rainbow Towers in Harare. This exciting announcement was made official through a statement issued by Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Minister of Sports, Retired Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe.

The statement confirmed that Zimbabwe will be the proud host of the event, with the esteemed President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to grace the occasion as the guest of honour. The awards ceremony will be held under the auspices of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, highlighting the country’s important role in the region’s sporting landscape.

Minister Sanyatwe expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s readiness to deliver an exceptional event, ensuring that the awards will be a world-class celebration of sports excellence. “The Ministry assures the region and all stakeholders that Zimbabwe is fully prepared to deliver a memorable and world-class awards ceremony,” he stated. “Zimbabwe’s hosting of RASA 2025 reflects our national commitment to sport, youth development, and regional integration.”

The RASA awards, held annually, serve as a platform to celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, journalists, and volunteers across the ten member states of AUSC Region 5: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The awards aim to honor the region’s best sporting talents and highlight the values of unity, excellence, perseverance, and hope that sport embodies.

Minister Sanyatwe also emphasized the broader impact of hosting such a prestigious event. “By hosting RASA 2025, Zimbabwe will make a significant contribution to achieving the goals of our National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), while also showcasing the depth of our hospitality, talent, and cultural vibrancy,” he explained. “This event also aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on fostering a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Africa through sport and culture.”

The minister further highlighted that Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host RASA 2025 is a testament to the country’s proven ability to organize high-profile sporting events. Zimbabwe previously hosted the 2014 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, as well as the AUSC regional meetings in November 2024. The country also gained praise for its immaculate cultural night festival, which left a lasting impression on visitors.

RASA is not just about celebrating athletic achievements; it is also a platform for promoting regional solidarity, encouraging gender equality, and increasing participation in sport. The event represents a valuable opportunity to bring together the Southern African region, fostering deeper unity through sports and cultural exchange.

The 2025 edition of the RASA awards will not only recognize athletic excellence but will also provide a stage for the region to highlight its collective progress in sports and culture. The awards will be an important milestone in reinforcing the role of sports in driving the integration of the Southern African region while empowering athletes and communities.

With Zimbabwe fully prepared to host this momentous event, RASA 2025 promises to be a remarkable celebration of Southern Africa’s sporting talent, while underscoring the nation’s growing significance as a hub for regional and international sporting events.