by Bernard Mutambudzi

David Coltart’s call for the newly appointed Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry to decline the perks that come with the appointment has been viewed as utterances bend on causing unnecessary racial lines in Government.

In his twitter page, Coltart said, “This is a time of austerity and we need leadership to tighten their belts. I am looking forward to the new cabinet declining to take luxury. For Kirsty Coventry, it would be grateful if you could set that example for all young people who need your inspiration.”

Zanu PF Secretary for Administration in the Youth League, Cde Tendai Chirau blamed Coltart for the racial utterances.

“Coltart cannot dictate pace on who gets what in Government,” said Chirau.

Another youth, Terrence Danda weighed in, “That’s not fair to name her in particular, why put her on the spot like that, it’s her own right to accept and use any vehicle or benefit that comes with the office.”

Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic champion and a current member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC's) executive board, was appointed Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation.

The 34-year-old Miinister was vice-president of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee. She also chairs the IOC's athletes' commission.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has the prerogative to choose any five Ministers outside Parliament appointed Coventry because of her achievements in the field of sport.

Coventry won gold medals in the 200m backstroke at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and also has four silvers and a bronze, the most Olympic medals by an African athlete.

Coventry is known as the country's "golden girl" for her Olympic success and was given $100 000 by the then-president Robert Mugabe after winning four medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, a huge prize for a Zimbabwean athlete.