Zimbabwe’s presence at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is making headlines, but not for its athletic achievements, instead, the country’s large delegation, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is sparking controversy.

The government chartered a luxurious Dassault Falcon X8 jet for the trip, reportedly costing US$11,000 per hour.

Vice President Chiwenga arrived in Paris on Wednesday accompanied by his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, as well as several senior government officials.

Upon his arrival at Paris Le Bourget Airport, he was greeted by a welcoming party that included Minister of Sport, Arts, and Recreation Kirsty Coventry and Zimbabwe’s Charge d’Affaires in France, Emmanuel Zinyuke, along with other dignitaries.

Zimbabwe’s Olympic contingent consists of seven talented athletes, including sprint duo Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu, long-distance runners Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora, swimming pair Denilson Cyprianos and Paige Van der Westuizen, and solo rower Stephen Cox.

The Vice President’s attendance at the Games comes as Zimbabwe finds itself at the centre of controversy over the size and composition of its delegation.

While only seven athletes will represent the country in various competitions, a staggering 67 officials have made the trip to Paris.

The large delegation has raised eyebrows, particularly given the inclusion of Vice President Chiwenga. His attendance at the Games has sparked debate, with some questioning the necessity of his presence.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed that Chiwenga is in France for the Olympics.

“The Minister is a member of IOC (International Olympic Committee), so she is there in that role. The VP is there for the official opening and other business and is not part of the Olympics Delegation,” he posted on his X handle.

Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent investigative journalist argues that the disparity between the large number of officials and the small number of athletes raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and resource allocation.

This, according to Chin’ono, is particularly concerning, given that Zimbabwe is currently seeking drought relief assistance from other countries, many of which have sent large teams of athletes with minimal officials.

“The world media is once again having a laugh at the expense of Zimbabwe after it sent 67 officials to the Paris Olympics and only 7 athletes,” he said.

“The officials include the country’s Vice President, General Constantino Chiwenga, his wife, and the country’s sports minister, Kirsty Coventry.

“The Vice President flew into Paris on a private jet. Zimbabwe has been ruthlessly looted by the corrupt regime currently in power. They use these trips to make money by throwing huge allowances.

“The sheer size of the official delegation, particularly in contrast to the small number of athletes, raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and resource allocation, especially at a time when it is begging for drought relief assistance from countries that sent huge teams of athletes with very few officials.”

Former cabinet Minister Jonathan Moyo has criticised the Zimbabwean government for its handling of information regarding the country’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He specifically cited that there is no official confirmation of the delegation’s composition and size, despite reports of 7 athletes and 67 officials.

He also mentions that the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and Minister of Sports Kirsty Coventry have been silent on the matter.

“The description of the report as ‘purported’ is because, besides belated X posts on the personal X accounts of some senior government officials like Nick Mangwana, there’s no official source or confirmation of such a report from any of the relevant Olympics authorities in Zimbabwe,” the former Information Minister said.

“Disappointingly, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, which has an active account on this platform has said nothing about the matter.

“Even more disappointing, Kirsty Coventry, the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture – who is an internationally renowned and accomplished five-time Olympian – has been conspicuous by her silence on a matter whose responsibility is squarely her remit.

“Come to think of it, just what does Kirsty Coventry do in government? And where is she?

“It’s a pity – a shame really – that there are some people like Coventry who have jobs as public servants who do an untold disservice to the public by not doing the jobs for which they’re nevertheless handsomely remunerated.

“The bottom line is that the communication, rather the non communication or miscommunication, of the composition and size of Zimbabwe’s delegation to the 2024 Olympics in Paris has been grossly incompetent.”

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are set to kick off on Friday, with thousands of athletes from around the world gathering to compete in the world’s largest sporting event.