Municipal workers to participate in SADC Games

Greater Tzaneen municipal manager Mabakane Mangena said all 15 countries in the South African Development Community (SADC) region would be represented.

"What this means is that thousands of people will be visiting our town as participants and spectators, which will generate income for local businesses, especially in the hospitality and retail sector," he said.

Mangena said visitors were expected to enjoy the well-known tourist destinations in the area, including the Modjadji Cycad Nature Reserve and the home of world-famous rain queen Modjadji next door.

"The games will promote our area as a tourist destination and also provide a good opportunity for local residents to interact with fellow Africans over business and tourism opportunities," he said.

Municipal teams will compete in 11 sporting codes, namely soccer, volleyball, netball, pool, marathon, fishing, darts, golf, chess, tennis as well as table tennis.

The winners will go home with gold, silver or bronze medals and a floating trophy will be awarded to the municipality that collects the most medals.

"The aim is to improve the mental and physical fitness of municipal workers and officials in order to improve their service delivery," said Mabakane.

The games will be played at the Letaba Show Grounds, Tzaneen Dam, Hans Merensky High School, Unicorn Preparatory School and Ben Vorster High School in Tzaneen, as well as the Nkowankowa Stadium in Nkowankowa and the Dr Annecke Primary School in Letsitele.

The Southern African Inter-Municipal Sports Association launched the games in 2003. Initially, only municipalities in Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa participated.

This year, all cities, districts and towns within the SADC region have been invited to enter athletes in the week-long event, which starts on 25 September.