The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) has clarified that only nine officials, including coaches, are part of the official delegation, in response to public outrage that the number of delegation members is excessive for a nation in severe economic crisis. It appears that, apart from the athletes, this is the group that has travelled to France to attend the opening ceremony.

The clarification came after criticism erupted on social media over the alleged misuse of public funds in the whole affair. Many citizens expressed their anger at the alleged waste of money. Thabani Gonye, chairman of the Zimbabwe Organising Committee, responded to the accusations by pointing out that while there are a number of Zimbabweans in Paris, many of them are there unofficially.

"We are aware though that there are many other technical officials, dignitaries invited to the games directly to officiate and as guests and many other hundreds of Zimbabweans in Paris in various capacities,” said Gonye. “These are not part of Team Zimbabwe delegation but Zimbabweans all welcome and free to cheer our athletes on.”

According to some reports, more than 60 people, including Vice President Constantine Chiwenga and Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, have travelled to the Games, some by private jet. This sparked further controversy as Zimbabwe is currently facing severe food shortages due to a prolonged drought.

The country's economic priorities were called into question, with prominent journalist and activist Hopewell Chin'ono criticising the government for prioritising a large official delegation over pressing domestic problems. “The large size of the official delegation, especially in contrast to the small number of athletes, raises serious questions about the government's priorities and allocation of resources,” Chin'ono wrote on X.

Former education minister Jonathan Moyo described the situation as “a shameful dent to Zimbabwe's reputation,” while opposition politician Fadzayi Mahere argued that taxpayers' money could have been allocated more effectively.

In response, government spokesman Nick Mangwana explained that Vice President Chiwenga's visit to Paris was not solely for the Olympics, but also included other business engagements aimed at attracting investment. Mangwana added that Sports Minister Coventry was attending in her capacity as a member of the International Olympic Committee. “It's not just about the Olympics, there are other jobs,” he said on social media.

Zimbabwe is one of several southern African nations currently grappling with food insecurity exacerbated by a severe drought. In May, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a state of catastrophe, saying the country needed at least $2 billion (€1.84 billion) in aid to cope with the crisis. The controversy over the Olympic delegation has further intensified scrutiny of the government's spending priorities during this difficult period.