Eugenia Chidhakwa Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Sport in AUSC Region 5

Eugenia Chidhakwa, Director of Sport and Recreation in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, was awarded a prestigious Medal of Honour last Friday for her remarkable contributions to the development of sport within the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5.

The award was presented during the official opening ceremony of the ongoing AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in Windhoek, Namibia, and celebrates Chidhakwa’s over 20 years of dedicated service to sport development and policy-making in the region.

Chidhakwa has been a central figure in the growth of AUSC Region 5, playing a critical role in the formulation and implementation of key sport policies and strategic initiatives that have shaped the landscape of sport and recreation across Southern Africa.

Her involvement with AUSC Region 5 began in 2005 when she served as president of the Women in Sport Foundation in Zimbabwe. Recognising a significant gender imbalance in sports representation and leadership, she quickly emerged as a strong advocate for gender equity.

Her efforts led to the establishment of the Women in Sport Commission within AUSC Region 5, giving women a formal platform to influence sports development. From 2006 to 2016, Chidhakwa chaired the AUSC Region 5 Women and Sport Committee, helping drive the region’s agenda for inclusion and empowerment through sport.

In 2016, she was appointed to the AUSC Region 5 Executive Committee, a position that marked a significant milestone in her career and opened the door for further influence in regional sports governance. She currently serves as the first female chairperson of the Physical Education, Sport Development, and Recreation Commission — a role that underscores her commitment to creating inclusive, dynamic sporting environments across the region.

The Medal of Honour is a recognition not only of her leadership but also of her vision and long-term impact in regional sport. Under her guidance, Zimbabwe and the broader Region 5 bloc have made meaningful strides in nurturing young talent, promoting women in sport, and aligning sport development initiatives with global best practices.

Chidhakwa’s recognition in Namibia is a proud moment for Zimbabwe and a testament to her legacy as a trailblazer in African sport administration. Her continued involvement signals a commitment to shaping a more inclusive, empowered, and progressive sporting future in the region.