Steenkamp was speaking at the seventh Regional Annual Sports Awards in Harare, Zimbabwe this past weekend.

Speaking in her capacity as the chairperson of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Council of Ministers, Steenkamp praised Zimbabwe for its "outstanding hospitality" and for hosting "a truly memorable and exceptional event". Steenkamp urged Region 5 member states to adopt more sustainable frameworks for sport development.

She also paid tribute to Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry, who was recently elected as the first African and first woman president of the International Olympic Committee. Steenkamp called on attendees to meet at the upcoming Region 5 Youth Games, to be hosted by Namibia in July.

--ChannelAfrica--