Hwange Colliery Partners NFZBBF in Launch of Historic 2025 Zim Nationals

THE National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBBF), in partnership with Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings (HCCL), officially launched the 2025 Zimbabwe Nationals Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships on Saturday at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The championships will take place at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls on 15 November 2025.

Organisers say the event will draw record numbers of athletes and fans, with categories ranging from Senior Men Bodybuilding and Men’s Physique to Junior Men, Wheelchair Bodybuilding, Women’s Bikini Fitness, and Women’s Wellness Fitness. 

The senior men’s overall winner will take home US$5,000, while the top six competitors in each category will also receive prize money, a first in the history of the Nationals.

Speaking at the launch, Tinashe Chapendama, representing Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings, said the company’s partnership reflects its commitment to health and community development.

“It is a distinct honour to stand before you representing Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings on this special occasion which is the launch of the NFZBBF Zimbabwe Nationals,” Chapendama said.

“Our involvement is not by accident. Bodybuilding and fitness resonate deeply with our Sports Revival Strategy, a transformational vision to position Hwange as a regional sporting hub of excellence. Beyond sport, we believe a healthy body drives a healthy organisation.”

He added that staging the competition in Victoria Falls was both symbolic and strategic.

“This event will bring together exceptional talent, ignite new careers, rewrite stories, and shape the future of bodybuilding in Zimbabwe,” he said.

NFZBBF Secretary-General Quiet Shangai called the 2025 edition “historic,” pointing to the scale of sponsorship and the decision to make participation easier for athletes.

“This is the biggest sponsorship we have ever secured, and it’s fitting that the Nationals are taking place at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World,” Shangai said.

“We are bringing bodybuilding to everyone. Free transport, free accommodation, and subsidies have been arranged so that no athlete is left behind. For the first time, the prize money is at record levels, and every category’s top six athletes will receive a reward.”

Shangai also highlighted the federation’s improved organisation and professionalism.

“You can’t attract a company of Hwange’s size without strong systems in place. This shows we are serious about the sport and about building a sustainable future for our athletes,” he said.

“At the end of the day, sport must create social and economic benefits for participants. With this partnership, we are investing in athletes and in a healthier, stronger Zimbabwe.”

Givemore Marume, part of the organising committee, said plans are already underway to build excitement in Victoria Falls and beyond.

“We will take a branded truck around Victoria Falls and surrounding communities to promote the event. There will be music, competitions, and giveaways to draw people in,” Marume explained.

“This is more than a bodybuilding competition. It will be a festival of fitness and wellness for the whole community.”

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) praised the partnership, saying it fits well with Zimbabwe’s broader sports development goals.

“Sports are about more than competition they are about opportunity, wellness, and national pride. We are proud to see bodybuilding being revived and supported at such a high level.”