Controversy Surrounds Zimbabwe Handball Federation...

Controversy Surrounds Zimbabwe Handball Federation Elections

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

The Zimbabwe Handball Federation elections, set for March 29, 2025, have sparked heated debate among handball stakeholders. The release of the list of nominated candidates just four days before the elections has raised serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and the selection criteria used to determine who could contest for leadership positions.

Handball enthusiasts and officials have taken to various platforms to express frustration over what they see as a secretive and flawed electoral process. One of the key concerns is the lack of campaigning by the nominees, leaving many wondering about their vision for the sport. "Why are the nominees not campaigning and sharing their visions? How do we know what they plan to do for handball?" questioned one member.

Additionally, the nomination process itself has come under scrutiny. Some provinces, including Harare and Matabeleland South, did not submit nominees, while others managed to nominate only two candidates. This has raised questions about whether there is a standard qualification process for nomination or if certain individuals were deliberately excluded. "So, meaning those who managed to nominate all just had two people as nominees? Or is there a standard qualification for one to be a nominee?" another concerned member asked.

The voting process remains another mystery, with some members unsure whether the public has a say or if nominees vote for themselves behind closed doors. "Who votes for them? The people or they vote for themselves? Why is all this a secret?" one frustrated stakeholder remarked.

Moreover, there is concern over the commitment of some of the nominees to the sport, with allegations that certain individuals have not been actively involved in handball tournaments or grassroots development. "Some of the nominees, when last did they attend a handball tournament? We don’t want people who will run this thing from their dining rooms," said an outspoken handball supporter.

Many within the handball community believe that the delayed release of the nominee list was intentional to limit scrutiny and opposition. "The plain truth is that most of these people know that their positions are at stake. The information about the elections is sort of being kept confidential from the public. After the information has leaked, it is then published later on because it is already out," argued a handball insider.

With just days left before the elections, calls for greater transparency and inclusivity are growing louder. Many are demanding clear answers from ZHF regarding the selection process, the role of the public in voting, and why the elections appear to be shrouded in secrecy.