Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
A major dispute has erupted between Zimbabwe’s top sports bodies after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) publicly disowned a circular from the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) announcing a new mandatory annual license fee for all athletes.
The controversy began on 27 September 2025, when NAAZ issued Circular No.2 of 2025, stating that from 1 January 2026, every athlete must pay an annual license fee of USD $7.00 to participate in any event, from fun runs to competitive races.
The circular, signed “By Order of the Executive,” explicitly noted,
“The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has received this directive on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.”
However, in a strongly worded media statement released on 02 October, the SRC refuted these claims, creating confusion among athletes and stakeholders.
“The SRC wishes to advise that this communication is FALSE and must be DISREGARDED,” stated the commission.
“The Government has NOT ISSUED any directive on licencing of athletes to the SRC or to any National Association.”
The acting Director General, Peter Mudzimiri, who signed the statement on behalf of the SRC Board, clarified the legal position, citing the Sports and Recreation Commission Act. He emphasized that while national associations are responsible for remitting annual levies for their members, the specific directive from NAAZ was unauthorized.
The now-disowned NAAZ circular had outlined strict regulations, including:
· A mandatory USD $7.00 annual license for all athletes.
· A USD $10.00 temporary license for unlicensed athletes wishing to compete.
· Penalties, including fines and bans, for race organizers, clubs, or coaches who violate the rules.
With the SRC’s latest statement, the status of these proposed fees and regulations is now nullified, leaving the athletics community in a state of limbo pending further clarification from the feuding bodies.
The NAAZ has not yet issued a public response to the SRC’s disavowal.
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