Africa-Press – Lesotho. MASERU- Lesotho held the council of ministers meeting in preparations for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games scheduled for December 2020.
Present were ministers of sports from member states; Botswana, Malawi, Angola, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique. In her remarks Minister of Gender, Youth,
Sports and Recreation Dr. Mahali Phamotse highlighted that the meeting convened to discuss the upcoming Region 5 games Maseru 2020 that Lesotho will host in
December 2020. “Your presence has motivated me and given us hope that we all embrace the same vision and mission about our region. I therefore believe that
we will work hard towards achieving the same goals and objectives within our ministries in our respective countries,” she said. She highlighted that she so wishes
that they jointly come to conclusions that are going to be of benefit to all. Minister Ana Paula Da Sacramento Neto from Angola said the region is a body that
function on the basis of collective solidarity among their member states. Adding that, they are obliged to forge bilateral and multi-lateral collaborations that
create hope for the future of their youth and to promote social cohesion for prosperity. She further indicated, their region is going through very delicate
and challenging economic experiences and the environment is so tough that it is almost impossible to function. She said however, this is the time to demonstrate their resolute tenacity for the good of sport and future
generations. “The region has developed programmes and activities meant to stimulate sustainable development of sport. While we are duty-bound to continuously review
and stress test these programmes, I implore all of us to preserve our hard won legacy and credibility in spite our sovereign diversity,” she said. Meanwhile
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Monyane Moleleki mentioned it is the first time Lesotho organizes regional games of this magnitude, “which comes with such an
amount of responsibility. Nevertheless we will not go back on our commitment to organize the best games the region has ever experienced,” he declared.
Moleleki further acknowledged the AUSC for affording Lesotho the opportunity to host the games while also reiterating the commitment of the government of the Kingdom of
Lesotho to host the games. He further stated that the games will leave Lesotho with a lasting legacy that will live on in the country for generations to come.
He also declared to the council that Lesotho has made significant milestones in preparations of the games. “We have put in place necessary structures such as
the local organizing committee (LOC) and its secretariat. I am happy to announce that we have already done sod turning for a new indoor sport arena building,
new sport stadium and additional residences at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) that will be used as residences even beyond and after the games,” he said. He revealed that the plan is also in place to upgrade existing facilities to meet the required standards for this games.
