The Chronicle
by Sikhumbuzo Moyo
16 January 2013
THE exploits of 10-year-old rising swimming star Nomvula Mjimba has attracted the attention of Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture David Coltart who has taken it upon himself to spearhead the athlete’s sponsorship appeal.
Mjimba, who is based in Harare and swims for Otters Swimming Club, has been dominating national swimming championships.
She has been bettering times, including those swam by legend Kirsty Coventry.
On his post in one of the social network sites, Coltart said it was sad that his ministry had serious budgetary constraints and does not have funding for such projects.
“Friends, my attention has been drawn to a new swimming sensation, 10-year-old Nomvula Mjimba. From this you will see that she has beaten one of Coventry’s times.
“Her family desperately needs sponsorship so if there are any folks out there who would be interested in helping please e-mail me and I will put you in touch with her.
“Sadly my ministry is so short of funding that we do not have any budget line for this,†wrote Coltart who did disclose how much the athlete requires.
She bettered Coventry’s 32.98 seconds in the 50m freestyle, stopping the clock at 32.95 seconds.
She is expected to do well in the national junior and senior championships, Level One and Two events in South Africa.