The City of Masvingo was a hive of activity on the 1st of November 2025 as over 300 enthusiastic participants took to the streets for the annual Mayor’s Cheer Fund Half Marathon. The event, which successfully raised funds for various local welfare initiatives was a vibrant display of community spirit and athleticism.

The marathon was run under the uplifting theme: “Run for charity”. The theme resonated well with the large turnout, which saw runners of all ages and abilities participating in various categories.

THREE RACE CATEGORIES, ONE GOAL-

The event offered three challenging yet rewarding distances: the 5km run, the 10km challenge, and the main event, the 21km half marathon. The races attracted a diverse field, from seasoned marathoners to casual runners and families looking for a healthy day out.

All routes culminated at the Civic Centre, where a large crowd gathered to cheer on the finishers. The atmosphere was electric as the top runners crossed the line.

WINNERS HONOURED AT GRAND FINALE –

A grand prize-giving ceremony was held immediately after the race, where outstanding participants were honored with trophies, medals, and tokens of appreciation. One of the most heart-warming highlights was the enthusiastic participation of our local schools. Young athletes demonstrated remarkable prowess, with several learners claiming top positions in their respective categories. The energy and determination displayed by these young champions filled every spectator with immense pride.

In a gesture that truly embodied the spirit of community investment, the Scotland Football Supporters Greater Masvingo Chapter awarded scholarships to two exceptional learners,Anopa Shoshore of Kyle college and Fiona Gwebu of Rujeko secondary school. This transformative opportunity will undoubtedly change these young lives forever, proving that sport can indeed be a gateway to boundless possibilities.

The occasion was graced by several high-profile guests, including the host, His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe, and the Town Clerk for the City of Masvingo, Eng Edward Mukaratirwa. They were joined by various Cllrs and Directors from the city, as well as Mayors, Councillors and Town Clerks from other local authorities, underscoring the national importance of the event. Several other distinguished community members and stakeholders were also present. Scotland Football Club representatives all the way from Harare also graced the occasion and were part of the sponsors.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Tabe thanked all participants and sponsors for their generous support, emphasizing that the funds raised would go a long way in assisting the less privileged within the city.

“This is more than just a race,” said Mayor Tabe. “It is a demonstration of Masvingo’s commitment to caring for its own and promoting a healthy lifestyle. We are truly grateful to everyone who ran and contributed to the Mayor’s Cheer Fund.”

A SYMPHONY OF PARTNERSHIP

The resounding success of this 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Cheerfund half marathon stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary partners whose generous support made this dream a reality:

– Creative Analytics Africa Group

-Spungold

– ZB Bank

– Honey Comb

– Eastview Elites

– Scotland Football Club

– Blue Kingdom Funeral Services & Doves

– Econet Wireless

– The Village Restaurant

-Sunshine is Heaven Media

-Steel Makers

-Doves

The success of the 2025 Mayor’s Cheer Fund Half Marathon has set a high bar for next year, solidifying its place as a key fixture on the city’s calendar.

His Worship, the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe today officially handed over trophies and money prizes to the winning teams of the Mayor’s Cup (Masvingo United and Shine Shine Queens). Wangu Mazodze and Masvingo Queens also received silver medals and money prizes.

This gesture marked the successful conclusion of a series of charity sporting events aimed at raising resources for the annual Christmas Cheer Fund.

In his remarks, the Mayor expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the tournament. He highlighted that the initiative goes a long way in supporting vulnerable members of the community, particularly during the festive season.

This event showcased the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and social responsibility, which the City of Masvingo continues to promote through community-driven programs.

The newly established Masvingo truck stop along Beitbridge – Harare road just after Exor Shopping Centre now at 85% physical completion, has been designed to help alleviate the pressure on local infrastructure and provide a space where truck drivers, men and women can refuel and refresh as they continue their vital deliveries across the country.

The Beitbridge – Harare highway remains one of the country’s largest truck-delivery lifelines, and while there are rest stops for truck drivers along the 583.9km route, there appeared to be a gap in the City.

New truck stop is set to provide a safe and convenient space where large vehicles can park and refuel and also where truck drivers can buy food away from the CBD, thus decongesting the town.

With space for 70 heavy vehicles up to 22-meters in size parking overnight and parking space for 30 light vehicles to park comfortably, the new stop will have a 24-hour store for easy access to food and beverages, a gazzebo area so truckers do not have to eat in their vehicles, and a shower and change room facility for drivers to refresh after a long journey.

The new truck stop will have four male shower areas and a separate two shower area for women.

The stop will continue to expand, with a series of other services set for development, including setting up a truck washing service.

The City of Masvingo today successfully hosted the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fundraising Schools Swimming Gala, bringing together local schools for a vibrant day of sports, cheer, and charity at Junior High School.

The event, held under the banner of supporting the less privileged members of Masvingo community during the festive season, saw enthusiastic participation from several primary and secondary schools across the city.

Schools that participated include:

1. Victoria High School

2. Junior High School

3. Junior Primary School

4. Vurombo Primary School

5. Shakashe Primary School

6. Dikwindi Primary School

7. Rujeko Primary School

8. Runyararo Primary School

10. Francis Aphiri Primary School

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe and the Provincial Education Director Mrs Mhike who graced the occasion as guest of honour both applauded the learners’ competitive spirit and the gala’s noble goal, raising funds to support vulnerable groups through the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund.

In his remarks, the Mayor commended schools for their participation, sponsors for making the event possible and highlighted the importance of unity and social responsibility, while the Provincial Education Director underscored the role of sport in holistic education and community building.

Sponsors of the event include:

1. Chicken inn

2. Junior High School

3. Kingdom blue funeral services

4. Honey Comb

5. First Pack

The swimming gala not only showcased young sporting talent but also strengthened collaboration between Council, the education sector, and the wider business community.

The City of Masvingo successfully held a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk as part of its efforts to promote early detection, support those affected, and educate the public on breast health. The walk attracted participants from council departments, local organisations, health professionals, and residents who united in solidarity wearing pink to show their support.

Flagged off by the Mayoress, the event started at Croco Motors and proceeded through the city, raising awareness with banners, songs, and health messages.

Provincial Medical Director, Dr. A Shamhu who was the guest of honour commended City of Masvingo Health Services Department for its efforts in promoting health education, conducting outreach programs, and ensuring that women have access to screening and counselling services across all Council Clinics.

Key health stakeholders provided free breast cancer screening, educational materials, and counselling services at the finish line.

Director Health Services, Ms Suzanne Hazel Madamombe emphasized the importance of community awareness in combating breast cancer and encouraged women and men to get screened regularly.

The City Health Department pledged to continue such initiatives to improve public health outcomes.

The event demonstrated Council’s commitment to promoting wellness and saving lives through proactive health education and stakeholder collaboration.

Today AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) handed contractors at Mucheke Clinic to City of Masvingo for the construction of a state of the art Opportunistic Infection Clinic.

This handover of commencing contractual works today marks more than the completion of a project, it represents a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for Masvingo residents. It is a testament to what can be achieved when government, development partners, and communities work together towards a common goal.

The project is expected to go a long way in strengthening the City’s service delivery capacity, uplifting health and wellbeing, and promoting inclusive urban development.

The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening health service delivery within the city. Representatives from AHF, the City’s Health Department, and the contracted construction company attended the ceremony which was graced by His Worship the Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe.

His Worship the Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe expressed appreciation to AHF for the continued partnership and support towards improving health infrastructure in Masvingo.

Gender Links, in partnership with the City of Masvingo and Masvingo Flora, is currently holding a two-day Local Economic Development (LED) Backstopping Workshop aimed at building resilient enterprises within the city.

The Swedish Embassy through Gender links is funding the Masvingo Flora project in Masvingo which is women-led promoting poverty alleviation by empowering 50%women, 30% youth and 20% men.

The two-day workshop is focusing on empowering entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to strengthen their governance structures, improve financial systems, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Participants, mainly women-led cooperatives were equipped with knowledge on enterprise resilience, leadership, compliance, business continuity, and accountability.

City officials commended the initiative, highlighting the importance of structured economic entities in contributing to local development, employment creation, and poverty reduction.

Gender Links reiterated their commitment to supporting inclusive growth and empowering communities through strategic partnerships.

The workshop is part of an ongoing program to support informal businesses in formalising operations and enhancing their contribution to the city’s economic development agenda.

The District Development Coordinator graced the workshop in support of local economic development in Masvingo

City of Masvingo has officially launched the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund, marking the beginning of a heartfelt initiative aimed at bringing joy and relief to vulnerable members of the community during the festive season.

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and community support during the online launch.

The Fund seeks donations in cash or kind to provide food hampers, clothing, and other essentials to the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities, and underprivileged families.

The Mayor encouraged local businesses, NGOs, and individuals to partner with council in making a tangible difference this festive season.

“Let us stand together in the spirit of Ubuntu and give hope where it is needed most,” he said.

Fundraising activities include, swimming gala at Junior High School on the 18th of October 2025 at 9:00 am, Half Marathon on the 1st of November 2025 from Civic Centre Gardens at 6:am, Golf Tournament on the 21st of November 2025 at Masvingo Golf Club at 9:00 am, Mayor’s Cup Challenge, date to be announced and dinner, date and venue to be announced.

Contributions to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund can be submitted at the City of Masvingo offices or through official banking details below:

Account Name: ZB Bank

Branch : Masvingo

ZWL Account: 4407-094505-200

USD Account: 4407-0945505-405

City of Masvingo is proud to announce the successful completion of the maternity wing construction project at Runyararo Clinic.

This milestone marks a significant step in the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare services in line with its service delivery mandate.

The newly completed maternity wing shall be fully equipped with:

– Delivery beds and post-natal care facilities

– A waiting area for expecting mothers

– Clean water supply and improved sanitation

– Medical equipment to support safe deliveries

Impact:

This development is expected to:

– Improve access to safe delivery services

– Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates

– Ease pressure on referral hospitals

– Promote institutional deliveries within the community

Council commits to provision of quality health service delivery for all.