The City of Masvingo continues to promote a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility through its “Stick and Carrot” concept, an initiative designed to reward positive behaviour while discouraging illegal dumping and littering.

It was a great day for two residents in Rhodene who were rewarded for maintaining a clean environment around their yard. The commendable act was witnessed by the City’s Deputy Director of Health Services, who immediately appreciated the residents for their responsible behaviour.

The two residents were recognised for taking the initiative to sweep and maintain clean surroundings in their neighbourhood. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, they were presented with hygiene-enabling equipment to support their continued commitment to cleanliness.

The City of Masvingo Health Department applauds such positive actions from residents, which contribute significantly to maintaining a clean, healthy, and attractive city for everyone.

At the same time, Council remains firm in taking action against illegal dumping and other activities that undermine the city’s environmental standards. While enforcement measures will continue, the City also believes in recognising and rewarding residents who lead by example.

Through the “Stick and Carrot” initiative, the City of Masvingo will continue visiting residential areas to promote responsible waste management, reward good deeds, and encourage all residents to play their part in keeping Masvingo clean.

Churches across the city today participated in a community clean-up campaign aimed at promoting environmental stewardship ahead of the Easter holidays.

The initiative brought together congregants and community members who gathered at various Easter worship venues to clean their surroundings and designated areas.

The clean-up exercise, held today on the 3rd of April 2026 from 0800hrs to 1000hrs, was conducted under the theme “Promoting Green Gatherings and Travellings.”

The campaign encouraged churches to extend their mission beyond spiritual guidance to include caring for the environment and promoting cleaner communities.

Participants actively engaged in sweeping, litter collection, and clearing waste around church premises and nearby public spaces.

This initiative sought to ensure that areas hosting Easter gatherings remain clean, safe, and welcoming for worshippers and visitors.

Health Services Department emphasised that the campaign was not only about maintaining cleanliness during the Easter period but also about inspiring communities to adopt responsible environmental practices. Churches were encouraged to lead by example and demonstrate that faith communities can play a vital role in safeguarding the environment.

The campaign was also guided by the biblical message “Let your light shine before others,” with congregants urged to reflect this through clean and responsible actions within their communities.

Such collective efforts contribute significantly to building cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities during the Easter celebrations and beyond.

The leadership of City of Masvingo has taken a significant step towards strengthening accountability and improving service delivery after senior officials signed performance contracts aligned with the city’s Strategic Plan and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe and Town Clerk Eng Edward Mukaratirwa marking a renewed commitment by the city’s leadership to deliver efficient, innovative, and citizen-focused services.

Speaking during the event, Engineer Mukaratirwa emphasized the importance of innovation, dedication, and teamwork in enhancing Council performance. He urged council officials to embrace new ideas and work diligently to improve service delivery standards in line with the Presidential call to action of “No Compromise to Service Delivery.”

“The signing of these performance contracts is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to accountability, efficiency, and excellence in service delivery,” he said.

Engineer Mukaratirwa noted that aligning council operations with the national development agenda ensures that Council play a meaningful role in advancing the country’s socio-economic transformation under NDS2.

His Worship Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe commended the initiative, highlighting that performance contracting helps set measurable targets and promotes a culture of responsibility within Council.

Meanwhile, Mayor Tabe recently received national recognition after being named First Runner-Up President’s Performance Excellence in Service Delivery Awards under the Mayor/Council Chairpersons for Local Authorities category, a distinction that reflects his dedication to progressive leadership and improved governance within City of Masvingo.

The performance contracting initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability among council management, ultimately translating into improved service delivery for residents and businesses in Masvingo.

City officials expressed confidence that the move will help accelerate the implementation of strategic projects and strengthen Council’s contribution to national development goals.

Today the Senior Environmental Health officer took time to impart necessary skills to a student on attachment.

This was done through exposure to practical aspects of shop licence inspection. This kind of hands on training is essential in equipping the younger practitioners with the skills and knowledge required to uphold public health standards.

Beyond theory, they learn how to assess premises, identify risks, engage with shop owners professionally, and enforce public health regulations confidently.

The City of Masvingo in partnership with Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Charles Austin Theatre, and Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture , through the Department of Housing and Social Services under the Arts and Theatre Development programme, is currently hosting the primary schools drama festival, an initiative aimed at empowering young learners to express themselves creatively while addressing important life issues.

Running under the theme “Our Choices, Our Future,” the festival seeks to encourage pupils to make informed and responsible decisions that positively shape their lives and communities.

Through performing arts, the event provides a vibrant platform where children can communicate ideas, explore social issues, and showcase their creativity.

Nine primary schools from across the city are participating in this year’s edition of the festival. These include Runyararo Primary School, Shakashe Primary School, Vurombo Primary School, Francis Aphiri Primary School, Dikwindi Primary School, Don Bosco Primary School, Kyle Preparatory School, Farmark Primary School, and Helen McGhie Primary School.

Each participating school is presenting a drama performance lasting a maximum of 15 minutes, tackling themes that reflect the importance of making responsible choices in everyday life.

The drama festival was conceptualized as part of ongoing efforts by council to promote youth development, arts education, and community engagement among primary school learners.

By using drama as a powerful educational tool, the programme aims to address contemporary social challenges in a way that is engaging and relatable for young audiences.

Beyond entertainment, the festival plays a critical role in helping pupils develop essential life skills such as confidence, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. It also nurtures talent in the performing arts while promoting cultural appreciation and creativity among young learners.

Over the years, the primary schools drama festival has grown into an important annual event on the city’s calendar, strengthening partnerships between schools, council, and the wider community.

Through this festival, young learners are not only given a stage to perform but also an opportunity to reflect on how their choices today can shape a better future for themselves and their communities.

After months of construction, the facility is stepping out from behind the scaffolding and into its role as a lifesaver for local mothers.

The project, which was a top priority in the city’s 2025 budget has officially hit its final completion milestones

City of Masvingo is set to officially open the newly constructed truck stop as the project reaches 100 percent physical completion of construction works, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to improve transport infrastructure and support economic growth.

The truck stop facility is expected to provide a safe and convenient space for long-distance truck drivers to rest, park, and access essential services.

As Masvingo continues to position itself as a strategic transport and logistics hub along major national routes, the completion and opening of the truck stop will play a key role in supporting efficient cargo movement while improving urban order and service delivery.