EMPLOYEES at Chinese firm Sino-Hydro have hailed the introduction of a wellness and sporting program this month, which is aimed at solidifying ties between workers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Sino-Hydro, which was responsible for implementing various multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe, held a sporting event that brought together local workers and those from the Asian country competing in various disciplines.
The firm’s management also took part in the activities, which were held in Hwange, where Sino-Hydro implemented the US$1,1 billion refurbishment and expansion of Zimbabwe’s largest thermal power station.
Sino Hydro is the international brand of the Chinese state-owned enterprise of Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina).
A statement released by Sino-Hydro indicated that the well-attended sporting event was meant to strengthen teamwork between local workers and their Chinese workmates while also stressing the importance of sports in leading healthy lifestyles.
“To set the tone for the day the Chinese led a Tai Chi session in gentle, flowing movements. Employees and management stood side by side, mirroring the instructor’s motions, embracing the calming practice. The Tai Chi session introduced Zimbabwean employees to this ancient Chinese practice while promoting health and mindfulness—a key aspect of PowerChina’s employee well-being philosophy,” read the statement in part.
The Tai Chi session, the statement indicated, created “a symbol of cultural harmony.”
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“As everyone moved in unison, the exercise became a symbol of harmony between cultures, blending Zimbabwean energy with Chinese tradition,” the statement further reads.
“The team building exercises, such as tug of war, basketball, darts, blindfold game, ring toss, traditional dancing, and Chinese calligraphy carried out by the Zimbabwean and Chinese staff.”
Zimbabwean participants who spoke during the sporting jamboree indicated that the event fostered teamwork.
Rangarirai Dumbuka, a boiler maker at Sino Hydro, said: “Participating in PowerChina's Sports and Cultural Day was truly inspiring. Beyond the fun games and delicious food, what stood out most was seeing our Zimbabwean and Chinese teams come together as one family.
“The basketball matches showed our competitive spirit, the blindfold challenge strengthened our trust, and the Tai Chi session reminded all to pause and appreciate our shared journey.”
Tanaka Enias, a turbine and chemical engineer, said the event boosted team spirit.
He said: “The mix of sports and games was well-balanced, ensuring everyone could participate regardless of skill level. The competitive yet light-hearted atmosphere helped boost team spirit.
“The activities encouraged teamwork and collaboration, which strengthened relationships across departments.”
Another worker, Progress Ncube, who is a maintenance engineer, said the sporting activities also fostered communication between Zimbabwean and Chinese employees.
He said: “The team building exercises…improved communication by encouraging open dialogue among team members, fostering better understanding and collaboration, increased trust by building stronger relationships between Chinese and Zimbabwean team members.
“It enhanced conflict resolution skills by offering a platform to address and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner, greater engagement by increasing employee involvement and commitment to team goals.”
Some of the key projects Sino-Hydro has undertaken in Zimbabwe also include the 300MW Kariba South expansion project.
