The City of Masvingo has officially conducted a swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Councillor of Ward 7, Cllr Simbarashe Shonhiwa on the 29th of September 2025, at the Council Civic CentreTown Hall.

Presided over by the Town Clerk, Eng Edward Mukaratirwa and witnessed by His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe, Councillors, municipal staff, and members of the public, the event marked the official commencement of the Councillor’s term of office. 

The new Councillor pledged to uphold the  Constitution of Zimbabwe, promote good governance, bear alligience to the City of Masvingo and observe its by-laws, serve the City to the best of one’s abilities, swear to official secrets oath and represent the interests of residents with integrity, transparency, and commitment.

In his remarks, the Town Clerk, Eng Edward Mukaratirwa welcomed the Councillor to the Council and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation and service delivery. He also emphasized the importance of teamwork, citizen engagement, and accountability in fulfilling Council’s mandate.

The swearing-in of Ward 7 Councillor saw the junior council also take their oath of office and loyalty. 

This comes at a time when Council is focusing on improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and stakeholder participation. The addition of a new Councillor is expected to further strengthen Council’s efforts in achieving its development agenda.

The City of Masvingo is pleased to report steady progress on the construction of the new maternity ward at Runyararo Clinic, aimed at improving maternal and child health services. The project, which began two months back, has now reached 75% physical completion.

Progress Highlights:

– Foundation and structural works are almost complete.

Upon completion, the facility will include:

– Fully equipped delivery rooms

– Postnatal and antenatal wards

– Sanitation facilities

This project demonstrates Council’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare. The maternity ward is expected to be completed and operational by year end.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.

City of Masvingo has commenced the construction of a modern truck stop facility aimed at improving the transit experience for freight operators and enhancing road safety. 

The truck stop, strategically located along a major Beitbridge – Harare highway near Exor, will provide:

– Secure parking for heavy vehicles,  

– Ablution facilities,  

– Rest areas for drivers,  

– Offices for logistics coordination,  

– Basic maintenance services.

This development is part of the Council’s broader infrastructure improvement plan and is expected to ease congestion, reduce roadside parking, and support economic activity linked to transportation and logistics. The project also creates local employment and contributes to improved service delivery.

The City of Masvingo has officially launched its Service Delivery Charter, marking a key milestone in its commitment to transparent, accountable, and people-centred governance.

The launch event, held at the Civic Centre Offices, Town Hall on the 5^th of August 2025, was graced by senior government officials, councillors, council management, and stakeholders. The Charter outlines clear service standards, turnaround times, and the rights and responsibilities of both the local authority and residents.

In his address, His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe emphasized that the Charter is a living document that will guide improved performance and foster trust between the local authority and its citizens.

In his official launch address, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira ably represented by the Provincial Director Economic Affairs, Mr Clever Chingwara commended City of Masvingo for leading by example and urged all local authorities across the province to follow suit by adopting and operationalising similar charters.

The Charter aligns with the national devolution agenda and Vision 2030, focusing on enhanced service delivery in areas such as water supply, waste management, infrastructure, and citizen engagement.

Representatives from the two residents associations which were present, MURRA and MASDRA also commended City of Masvingo for being a citizen-centred Council and emphasised on their mantra, ‘We pay, You deliver’

The Town Clerk, Eng Edward Mukaratiwa called on all residents to familiarise themselves with the Charter and hold the local authority accountable to the standards set.

The City of Masvingo convened a key workshop on the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the 10^th of June 2025, bringing together stakeholders to assess local progress and strengthen community-led development.

Held in the Civic Centre Town Hall, the workshop focused on aligning Council policies, strategic plan and service delivery with the SDGs, promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation.

The VLR process allows Council to reflect on the current status, celebrate progress, and identify areas needing urgent attention (gaps).

Key Focus Areas Included:

– Localizing the SDGs into council programs  

– Data collection and reporting at the community level  

– Promoting inclusive planning and service delivery  

– Strengthening partnerships for sustainable development

Stakeholders from civil society, government agencies, and community groups shared insights and contributed to drafting the Council’s first VLR report.

The initiative reaffirms the City of Masvingo’s commitment to sustainable urban development and empowering communities through data-driven decision-making.