The City of Masvingo is currently conducting an induction workshop for newly elected School Development Committees (SDCs) from council-run schools, aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and effective administration within learning institutions.

The workshop which has brought together SDC members, school heads, education officials, and council representatives to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to effectively execute their duties and contribute to the development of schools under the local authority.

Council outlined the critical roles played by the City in the management and support of council-run schools. Key responsibilities highlighted included infrastructure development, repair and maintenance of school facilities, provision of learning materials, and the employment of school heads and deputy heads.

The City also reaffirmed its commitment to complementing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) in the provision of quality primary and secondary education.

Participants were further informed that council is responsible for setting standards for tuition fees, presiding over SDC elections and inductions, conducting audits, and providing guidance on procurement processes to ensure transparency and accountability within schools.

Community Health Clubs continue to play a vital role in promoting environmental cleanliness and safeguarding public health across our communities.

In a remarkable display of commitment and teamwork, members recently acted swiftly to extinguish a fire caused by burning waste along a roadside while conducting routine clean-up activities in their neighbourhood.

The dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to clear illegal dumping sites, remove litter, and contain the fire before it could spread and pose a danger to nearby residents, property, and the environment.

Their proactive efforts reflect the growing spirit of community participation in maintaining clean, safe, and healthy surroundings for all.

Masvingo City Health applauds the continued dedication of these community champions who are sacrificing their time and energy to promote environmental sustainability and public safety. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to the wider community to take collective responsibility in keeping our city clean and safe.

The City of Masvingo has convened a three-day induction workshop for School Development Committees (SDCs) drawn from council-run schools, in a move aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and effective management within the education sector.

The workshop, officially opened by Town Clerk Eng Edward Mukaratirwa, brings together newly appointed SDC members to equip them with the knowledge and skills required to execute their duties efficiently and in line with national standards.

Speaking at the opening session, Eng Mukaratirwa emphasized the critical role played by SDCs in supporting the delivery of quality education, noting that well-informed committees are key to fostering transparency and development in schools.

The training programme is designed to capacitate participants on their roles and responsibilities, while clearly distinguishing their functions from those of school heads.

It also outlines the duties of the responsible authority, in this case the City of Masvingo, in ensuring proper oversight and support to schools.

Key focus areas of the workshop include promoting good corporate governance practices, equipping SDC members with basic financial management procedures, and providing guidance on recruitment and disciplinary processes.

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Participants are also being introduced to the national employment code of conduct to ensure compliance with established regulations.

The District Schools Inspector, Mr Ishmael Chigaba – Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is currently facilitating sessions on the legal framework governing the establishment of School Development Committes, including procedures for SDC elections as well as handover and takeover processes. He is also providing detailed insights into the roles, responsibilities, and core functions of SDC members, aligning with the mandate of government through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

This initiative underscores Council’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity within its schools and ensuring that governance structures operate effectively for the benefit of learners, educators, and the wider community

The City of Masvingo is set to enhance citizen participation in local governance through the training of its newly established Stakeholder Budget Committee (SBC), a move aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in public financial management.

The SBC, which brings together representatives from residents’ associations, the business community, government ministries, youth, women’s groups, religious organizations, and other special interest groups, is a key platform designed to institutionalise citizen involvement in council budgeting processes. The initiative reflects the City’s broader commitment to inclusive governance and responsive service delivery.

The training programme is being supported under the Good Governance in Local Authorities (GGLA) Project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project is co-funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Masvingo is among 20 local authorities benefiting from the programme, which seeks to strengthen gender-equitable, transparent, and accountable governance systems in Zimbabwe.

While the SBC has already been established with clear Terms of Reference, its effectiveness depends on the capacity of its members to understand key aspects of public financial management. These include the budget cycle, governance structures, consultation strategies, and monitoring mechanisms.

The City of Masvingo yesterday held a pass-out parade for its municipal police officers, marking the successful completion of their training programme and the induction of a new cohort into service.

The colourful ceremony, held at Civic Centre Offices saw municipal police officers graduating after undergoing rigorous training designed to equip them with the skills and discipline required to enforce by-laws and maintain order within the city.

His Worship the Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe, Councillors, Town Clerk Eng Edward Mukaratirwa, management, and invited guests attended the event to witness the milestone, which underscores the local authority’s commitment to strengthening public safety and service delivery.

In his remarks, His Worship the Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe commended the graduates for their dedication and urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and respect in the execution of their duties.

The officers were reminded of their critical role in ensuring compliance with municipal by-laws, promoting order, and fostering a safe environment for residents and businesses.

The pass-out parade forms part of ongoing efforts by the City of Masvingo to expand and professionalise its municipal police unit, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of a growing urban population.

The newly inducted officers are expected to be deployed across the city to support traffic management, enforce council regulations, and enhance community safety.

The City of Masvingo today convened a stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at consolidating the Voluntary Local Review (VLR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from various sectors to reflect on the progress made by the City in implementing the global development agenda while also identifying existing challenges.

The engagement provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the sharing of insights that will contribute to a comprehensive review of how the City is aligning its development initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Participants discussed different programmes and initiatives being undertaken within the City that contribute toward sustainable development. The discussions also highlighted areas that require further improvement, ensuring that the City continues to strengthen its efforts toward inclusive and sustainable urban development.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Through the Voluntary Local Review process, the City of Masvingo seeks to track its contribution toward these global goals while strengthening accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation in local development.

The atmosphere at Eastvale Play Centre was vibrant and full of excitement as residents turned up in large numbers carrying recyclable materials to sell, marking a strong community response to the City of Masvingo’s recycling initiative.

Community members arrived with various sorted recyclables, demonstrating growing awareness of the importance of proper waste management and environmental responsibility. The initiative aims to encourage residents to separate waste at source while transforming recyclable materials into a valuable resource.

A key highlight of the program is the opportunity for residents to open accounts where they can securely save and accumulate earnings from the recyclables they bring. Once their savings reach meaningful amounts, residents are able to redeem the funds, making the initiative not only environmentally beneficial but also a practical income-generating opportunity for households.

The program is already beginning to make a positive impact within the community by promoting cleanliness, reducing waste, and providing an innovative way for residents to earn from materials that would otherwise be discarded.

All Eastvale residents are encouraged to take part in this initiative by separating their waste at household level and bringing recyclables every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Eastvale Play Centre.

Through collective effort, the Eastvale community is demonstrating how waste can be turned into value while contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.