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.

Masvingo wasn’t just observing a date on the calendar today, the city was alive with energy as residents, leaders, and local partners gathered to celebrate the belated International Women’s Day under the theme, ‘Rights, Justice, Action for All Women’. 

It was a day dedicated to more than just a march, exhibition and speeches, but real action, from health services to business opportunities.

The event saw a powerful turnout, with Senior and Junior Councillors, Council management, and Alderman Maridza leading the way. Their presence sent a clear message that in Masvingo, women’s development isn’t a side project, it’s at the heart of the community’s progress.

A colossal range of organizations pitched in, including SMEDCO, ZHRC, EBEN Hardware, Zimbabwe Population Services, Media houses, ZPS, SGDZT, ZRP, CBAP, Masvingo Wheel chair tennis, NCPDZ, MUSASA, City Health, Rujeko and Runyararo Primary drummies, ZGC, WCOZ, Zimbabwe Homeless people’s Federation, Bhaso, Masvingo Flora, MWACSMED, Friendship Bench, Emmanuel Homestead, Takeltien, ZIMRA, Old Mutual, CBAP, WEDO Organisation, Stoneworks leather craft.

The day focused heavily on putting tools directly into women’s hands, through business growth. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to step up and take advantage of the City of Masvingo’s affirmative procurement thus 13% of the 2026 budgeted tenders for the City set aside for women, youths and vulnerable groups. 

Women were also encouraged to take advantage of free hands-on trainings by the department of Housing and Social Services. The department offers practical workshops in baking and sewing, proving that economic independence often starts with a single skill.

The City Health Department, alongside other NGOs turned the celebration into a hub for wellness. They provided essential HIV and AIDS, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services on-site, ensuring that women have the resources they need to take charge of their own futures.

Leaving no one behind, the event attracted even young primary school going girls. With students from Rujeko and Runyararo Primary Schools watching on and providing entertainment. The event was a bridge between generations. By honoring the achievements of women today, Masvingo is showing its young girls exactly what they are capable of achieving.

As the sun set on the celebrations, the message from the City was clear: Masvingo remains a place where women aren’t just included but are leading the way toward a more resilient and inclusive future.

The enduring 40-year partnership between the City of Masvingo and the German – Zimbabwe Association today reached another milestone as the German-Zimbabwe Society visited Masvingo to deliver a fresh wave of financial support to local vulnerable groups.

During the visit, the Society donated USD 2,280 to be shared among three critical institutions: Mucheke Old People’s Home – USD 280, Alfred Walter Hostel – USD 300, and Alpha Cottages USD 1700. The gesture is part of a long-standing twinning arrangement that has become a cornerstone of social development in the city.

Beyond simple charity, the partnership has focused on sustainable development and improving essential service delivery. Over the years, the society has been instrumental in mobilizing resources for high-impact projects, including:

• Healthcare Infrastructure: The construction of Runyararo Clinic, provision of state-of-the-art ambulances, and medical equipment for Masvingo General and Morgenster Hospitals.
• Green Energy: The installation of a 5KV solar system and water storage at Runyararo Clinic.
• Social Safety Nets: The expansion of Alpha Cottages Orphanage and the construction of the Alfred Walter Hostel.
• Economic Empowerment: Microfinance initiatives for community business development through Zambuko.

The partnership has also proven its agility during times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society provided critical oxygen concentrators and has consistently supported the city’s sanitation efforts by providing refuse compactors.

The recent USD 2,280 donation is intended to complement previous investments, ensuring that the elderly at Mucheke and the children at Alpha Cottages and Alfred Walter Hostel continue to receive adequate care in a supportive environment.

This partnership has flourished through mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to improved service delivery.

The spirit of healthy competition and administrative synergy took center stage on Friday the 13th of March 2026, as the City of Masvingo hosted the Inter-Municipal Schools Athletics Competitions. 

In a display of both athletic prowess and strategic thinking, Ruwa Local Board emerged as the overall champions, clinching the top spot in a tightly contested field, while City of Masvingo clinched the diamond position.

The event brought together learners from council-run schools across Zimbabwe to compete in track and field events, chess, and Physical Education displays. Beyond the medals, the games serve as a vital platform for council schools to exchange ideas and foster development through sport.

The Leaderboard reflected a high level of preparation across the participating local authorities:

Ruwa Local Board (Winners)

City of Masvingo (second)

City of Kadoma (third)

City of Mutare (forth)

City of Kwekwe (fifth)

Guest of Honour, His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe, emphasized that the primary objective of these games is to promote sport within council schools while creating a network for mutual learning.

The event’s success has already sparked expansion interest. Delegates from Redcliff Municipality and the City of Gweru attended as observers, with official plans to join the next edition of the games. 

The presence of various Mayors, Councillors, Town Clerks, and Directors of Housing from across the country underscored the administrative weight behind these youth development initiatives.

City of Masvingo is not slowing down as the host city for this year’s circuit, the local authority has a busy calendar ahead:

Second Term: Masvingo will host the Inter-Municipal Ball Games.

Third Term: The focus will shift to Cultural Activities, celebrating the heritage and arts of the participating regions.

The games concluded with a sense of unity, proving that while only one city takes home the trophy, the true winner is the development of the Zimbabwean learner.

The Mayor of City of Masvingo, Cllr. Aleck Tabe, has been honoured with the 1st Runner-Up award in the President’s Performance Excellence in Service Delivery Awards under the Mayor/Council Chairpersons for Local Authorities category.

The prestigious awards are part of the Government’s performance management system spearheaded by His Excellence, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, which recognises outstanding public sector leaders who demonstrate commitment to efficient governance, accountability, and improved service delivery. The initiative encourages leaders across government institutions and local authorities to meet national development targets and improve services for citizens. 

Mayor Tabe’s recognition reflects the outstanding progress and efforts being made by the City of Masvingo in strengthening local governance, enhancing infrastructure development, and improving the delivery of essential services to residents. 

Under his leadership, Council has been advancing initiatives aimed at modernising council services, promoting community participation, and supporting sustainable urban development.

Receiving the national accolade places the City of Masvingo among the country’s leading local authorities, demonstrating excellence in public administration leadership. 

The award also highlights the collective efforts of councillors, management, and staff who continue to work towards providing quality services to the people of Masvingo.

The President’s Performance Excellence Awards form part of a broader national framework designed to promote a culture of results, accountability, and excellence within Zimbabwe’s public sector institutions. 

Through such recognition, the City of Masvingo continues to solidify its reputation as a forward-looking local authority committed to service excellence and inclusive urban development.