By Johannes Mike Mupisa
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live,” once remarked motivational speaker Jim Rohn.
Those words rang true in Mwenezi on Saturday as civil servants from across Masvingo Province gathered for a vibrant Wellness and Fitness Games Day, underscoring the Public Service’s growing commitment to employee well-being.
Amid rising cases of stress-related illnesses and psychological challenges in the workplace, wellness initiatives are increasingly becoming a priority. The Masvingo Provincial Public Service is among the leaders championing these efforts, providing platforms for workers to unwind, socialise and improve their health through sport.
St Vitalis Primary School grounds in Mwenezi hosted teams from Rutenga, Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital and the Neshuro Wellness Team. The Neshuro contingent brought together staff from various government departments, Mwenezi Rural District Council and the Mwenezi Development Training Centre, reflecting a broad cross-section of the civil service.
The demanding nature of public service work, coupled with economic pressures, has intensified the need for structured opportunities to relax and recharge. Mwenezi District Public Service head, L. Gondo, attended the event to demonstrate his support. He commended departments that responded to the call to participate, emphasising the importance of wellness initiatives in reducing hypertension and psychological strain. He encouraged more employees to embrace the programme and use sport as a way to connect beyond the workplace.
However, the day was not without challenges. Precious Mundida from Ngomahuru expressed excitement about the games but raised concerns about the condition of the playing grounds, noting that teams arrived in the morning only to find the facilities not fully prepared.
Adding his voice, Mwenezi North Constituency Coordinator Norman Mkondo highlighted sport as a powerful tool to address social challenges. He called for investment in modern community sports facilities, arguing that improved infrastructure could help curb work-related illnesses, substance abuse and drug dependency.
Ruzvidzo from the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Recreation acknowledged policy support under the Second Republic that has helped drive such wellness initiatives forward.
The event featured a wide range of sporting disciplines, including men’s and women’s netball, volleyball, soccer, darts, chess and pool. On the field of play, the Neshuro team celebrated victory in men’s volleyball but fell short in women’s netball and men’s soccer.
Despite the mixed results, the spirit of camaraderie and the shared commitment to health and wellness proved the real winners of the day. The growing popularity of such events signals a promising shift towards a healthier and more connected public service.
