SPORTS minister Anselem Sanyatwe has applauded the US$200 000 FBC Zim Open, saying the premier golf event serves as a national showcase of excellence, heritage and opportunity.
Officially launching this year’s edition at Royal Harare Golf Club on Monday night, Sanyatwe commended the Zimbabwe Golf Association and the Zim Open Committee for spearheading yet another successful Zimbabwe Open Golf Tournament.
“We fully, as a ministry and a country, and of course, Cabinet, support this tournament, which has constantly raised the image of the country. We applaud the golf athletes for their energy and persistent strides to continuously raise the country's image, this time as its brand ambassadors, when participating in regional continental and international competitions," he said.
Sanyatwe was in March this year appointed to head the Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture ministry, replacing Kirsty Coventry who is now the International Olympic Committee president-elect.
Title sponsors FBC Holdings have poured in US$200 000 (R3 million) into the prize fund.
Last year, the tournament had R2,5 million in prize money.
Sanyatwe praised FBC Holdings and all the other sponsors for supporting the country's flagship golf event.
"Today's success would not be possible without the steadfast support of the corporate sector. We are especially grateful and very thankful to FBC Holdings the title sponsor, as well as other sponsors and partners who have come on board. Your investment speaks volumes about the value you place in sport as a tool for national development, economic growth and community empowerment,” he said.
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Sanyatwe said through events like the FBC Zimbabwe Open, “we see the tangible benefits that sport brings to our economy”.
“From tourism earnings to employment opportunities across hospitality, logistics, event management and the media industries. Golf in particular creates a ripple effect that touches many livelihoods downstream, far beyond the players on the course," he said
Sanyatwe was accompanied by his deputy Emily Jesaya, permanent secretary Nicholas Moyo and the director-general of the Sports and Recreation Commission, Eltah Nengomasha.
FBC Holdings Group chief executive officer Trynos Kufazvinei was delighted that his organisation has been sponsoring the event for the fourth year running.
“As FBC Holdings, we are thrilled to once again partner with the Zimbabwe Open, contributing US$200 000 towards ensuring the Zimbabwe Open Golf is a success, ensuring that this event continues to grow in stature and impact.
"This sponsorship is a testament to our enduring commitment to national development, not just in financial services and digital innovation, but also in nurturing talent, wellness and spirit of competition. We applaud the ministry of Sport, the Zimbabwe Open Golf Committee and all corporate sponsors and stakeholders who are supporting the 2025 FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Tournament," he said.
The Zimbabwe Open Committee chairperson Livingstone Gwata expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who have made this year's edition possible.
"The Zimbabwe Open has grown into one of the country's premier sporting events, not only showcasing the very best, but also celebrating Zimbabwe's rich sporting heritage, our infrastructure and our ability to host world-class tournaments. Today, I stand here deeply grateful for the incredible support that has made the 2025 edition possible,” he said.
Gwata also paid tribute to the government for its ongoing support for the sports sector.
“Your [Sanyatwe] presence here today signals the importance of sports as a driver for tourism, investment, youth development and national pride. We remain committed to playing our part in this national agenda," he said.
A total of 156 golfers are taking part in this year's edition of the FBC Zim Open and at least 34 local golfers are flying the country's flag.
The main championship tees off tomorrow morning at Royal Harare Golf Club and is set to conclude on Sunday.
