The City of Masvingo has commenced a comprehensive Systems Audit in collaboration with Government departments in the province as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen corporate governance, improve service delivery, and enhance accountability in line with the Government’s performance management framework and the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS).

The assessment, which evaluates the City’s governance, financial management systems, and service delivery performance, also reviewed progress made in implementing recommendations from the previous systems audit.

Among the notable achievements recorded since the last assessment is the reduction of Non-Revenue Water from 48% to 37% through the replacement of non-functional water meters and the implementation of District Metering Areas.

The City has also strengthened its customer feedback mechanisms by introducing WhatsApp communication groups for water, sewer, and waste management services, while a WhatsApp chatbot has been developed and is scheduled for launch by the end of August.

The Corporate Governance assessment highlighted significant progress, with the City scoring highly in several key areas. The assessment confirmed that the City’s Strategic Plan is fully aligned to the approved annual budget, departmental performance targets are clearly defined, and Municipal Service Delivery Standards have been integrated into planning and monitoring processes.

The audit further established that the City has 29 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guiding operations across departments, while an active Internal Audit Unit continues to strengthen accountability through regular audits and implementation of corrective measures.

Council’s complaints handling system was also recognised as fully operational, with complaint registers available in all departments to ensure efficient recording and resolution of residents’ concerns.

As of 31 March 2026, the City had successfully implemented 58 out of 83 Council resolutions, representing a 70 percent implementation rate.

On organizational capacity, the audit noted that seven of the nine key executive positions are substantively filled, while acting arrangements remain in place for the Director of Engineering Services and the Director of Town Planning and Land Management. Recruitment for the Director of ICT is awaiting ministerial approval.

The Financial Management Systems assessment recorded outstanding performance across nearly all indicators. The City maintains updated valuation rolls, fully functional billing systems, regular monthly billing, timely revenue collection reporting, and robust debt recovery mechanisms.

Council also continues to produce financial statements within statutory deadlines, conducts monthly bank reconciliations, maintains secure ICT backup systems for financial information, and has implemented effective controls to prevent unauthorized expenditure.

The audit further acknowledged that all Council assets are adequately insured and that statutory obligations, including PAYE, NSSA and medical aid deductions, are consistently remitted.

In the area of service delivery, the City achieved several notable milestones. The assessment confirmed that 100 percent of the City’s 21,263 occupied properties have access to potable water, while every occupied property has a functional metered water connection. Water quality remains consistently high, with laboratory results indicating that 360 out of 363 monthly samples met World Health Organization standards.

Although the City currently supplies an average of 236 litres of water per person per day, the audit noted that demand continues to exceed available production capacity. Council is addressing this challenge through the installation of pressure regulation valves to improve distribution and increase hours of supply.

The sanitation system also performed strongly, with 99 percent of properties connected to the sewer network and an overall wastewater collection efficiency of 97 percent. Customer responsiveness remained exceptional, with 99.3 percent of reported sanitation complaints resolved during the assessment period.

Solid waste management also recorded encouraging results. Every occupied property receives door-to-door refuse collection services, with residential areas serviced weekly and the Central Business District receiving daily collections. Waste collection efficiency reached 96 percent, although the audit identified opportunities to strengthen waste segregation, recycling initiatives, and the development of a compliant sanitary landfill.

Road infrastructure continues to improve, with 100 percent of occupied properties having access to surfaced roads, while 77 percent of the City’s road network is in fair to very good condition. The City has also continued road marking and signage installation programs, although public lighting coverage remains an area requiring further investment.

Environmental management recorded positive outcomes, including the successful implementation of all 15 planned environmental awareness campaigns, compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment requirements for major projects such as the Sanganai/Hlanganani Expo infrastructure and the Truck Stop development, and effective management of veld fires within acceptable limits.

The Public Health assessment further demonstrated the City’s commitment to quality healthcare, with all Council clinics providing primary healthcare services and operating on the District Health Information System (DHIS2). Essential medicines remain available for most primary healthcare needs, while efforts continue to improve the availability of specialized medicines.

The systems audit is expected to provide Government with an objective assessment of the City’s operational effectiveness while guiding continuous improvements in governance, financial management and service delivery.

City of Masvingo Gender Desk recently organized a multi-stakeholder awareness program at Mucheke High School aimed at educating learners on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancies and child marriages.

The engagement brought together various stakeholders working in the areas of child protection, gender equality, health, law enforcement and youth empowerment, creating a platform for learners to openly engage on social challenges affecting young people.

Among the stakeholders who participated were Musasa, My Age Africa, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), BHASO and the City of Masvingo Junior Council.

The program focused on equipping learners with information that can help them make informed decisions and protect themselves from social risks that can negatively affect their education, health and future prospects.

Stakeholders highlighted the growing need for young people to understand the dangers associated with drug and substance abuse, including its potential impact on academic performance, behavior, relationships and overall wellbeing. Learners were encouraged to resist negative peer pressure and seek assistance whenever they encounter challenges relating to substance abuse.

The awareness program also placed emphasis on teenage pregnancies and child marriages, with stakeholders educating learners on the risks and long-term consequences of early pregnancy and early marriage, including disruption of education, economic vulnerability and exposure to various forms of abuse.

The Victim Friendly Unit provided information on child protection and mechanisms for reporting cases of abuse, while organizations such as Musasa and My Age Africa shared perspectives on protecting young people from violence, exploitation and harmful practices.

The participation of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development further strengthened the program’s focus on gender equality, empowerment and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the City of Masvingo Junior Council provided an important youth perspective, reinforcing the importance of involving young people in addressing challenges affecting their peers and communities.

The City of Masvingo Gender Desk emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders in creating safe and supportive environments where young people can access information, seek help and make positive choices.

Council will continue working with relevant stakeholders and schools to strengthen awareness programs aimed at safeguarding young people and ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue their education and realize their full potential.

Preparations to host the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Masvingo are gathering momentum as stakeholders intensify efforts to ensure the province delivers a memorable and world-class event.

Scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 September 2026, the prestigious tourism showcase is expected to attract thousands of local and international exhibitors, buyers, investors and visitors, positioning Masvingo as Zimbabwe’s tourism and investment capital during the exhibition period.

Work is progressing at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre, the main venue for the expo, where infrastructure development and venue preparations are well underway.

Various stakeholders, including Government ministries, the City of Masvingo, and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) are working together to ensure all logistical, infrastructural and service delivery requirements are met ahead of the event.

Hosting the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo presents a unique opportunity for Masvingo to showcase its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, wildlife and investment potential. The event is expected to stimulate economic activity across various sectors, including hospitality, transport, retail, arts and crafts, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening the province’s position as a leading tourism destination.

With preparations progressing steadily, City of Masvingo is poised to welcome the world and demonstrate why it remains the home of Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, warm hospitality and diverse tourism experiences.

The City of Masvingo is celebrating another significant milestone in the delivery of quality healthcare services after the newly commissioned Runyararo Clinic Maternity Ward successfully welcomed its first baby this morning.

A healthy baby boy was born to Mrs Ashley Njenjera, marking the first delivery at the state-of-the-art maternity facility, which was officially opened last week by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Chadzamira.

The facility was established to improve access to safe, quality maternal healthcare for residents of Runyararo, Victoria Ranch and surrounding communities.

The successful delivery represents a major achievement for the City of Masvingo and demonstrates the immediate impact of the new maternity ward in bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people.

Speaking after the delivery, His Worship the Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe expressed delight at the safe arrival of the baby and congratulated Mrs Njenjera and her family on the joyous occasion. Handing over a hamper to Mrs Njenjera, Mayor Tabe described the birth as a symbol of hope and a testament to the City’s continued investment in strengthening maternal and child healthcare services.

The new maternity ward is expected to reduce referrals to other health facilities, improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes, and provide expectant mothers with safe, convenient and professional maternity care within their own community.

The City of Masvingo congratulates Mrs Ashley Njenjera and her family on the birth of their baby boy and wishes both mother and child good health and happiness.

The City of Masvingo has celebrated a massive double victory for urban development by simultaneously commissioning a new 1.2 million dollar engineering fleet and officially opening the brand-new Runyararo Maternity Unit. The landmark events mark a major leap forward in both infrastructure modernization and primary healthcare delivery for the historic city.

Funded through a substantial capital injection of 1,247,120.52 USD, the new fleet of heavy earthmoving machinery and utility vehicles is set to completely transform local council operations, speed up critical projects, and improve service delivery for residents.

The largest portion of the infrastructure investment went toward the heavy engineering component, with 1,134,120.52 USD dedicated to acquiring a robust fleet of “yellow machines” that includes a new excavator, bulldozer, grader, and roller compactor. To boost everyday logistical support, the city also spent 76,000 USD on two reliable Toyota Hilux GD6 single-cab vehicles, alongside a high-capacity support tractor valued at 37,000 USD. Every single machine was strategically chosen to tackle pressing infrastructure needs across the city. The heavy yellow machines will immediately hit the ground to accelerate ongoing preperations for Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, fix road structures, install comprehensive stormwater drainage systems, and handle localized gravel extraction. Furthermore, this heavy equipment will directly speed up the development, modernization, and environmental management of Cambria landfill project.

Meanwhile, the new Toyota Hilux utility vehicles are set to give technical and supervisory teams a massive mobility boost. This logistical upgrade ensures that supervisors can easily monitor projects on-site, perform rapid safety inspections, respond immediately to local engineering emergencies, and maintain seamless coordination with field teams.

Alongside this massive infrastructure boost, a major milestone was achieved in public health with the official opening of the Runyararo Maternity Unit, funded through a total of ZiG 800,417 and 31,000 USD. The 20-bed facility represents a monumental shift for the local community, especially for the residents of Runyararo, Victoria Range, and adjacent suburbs who were previously forced to travel long distances to Northwest and Mucheke clinics. By bringing these essential services closer home, the clinic will directly eliminate critical health risks that had previously plagued the community, notably a recent spike in dangerous home deliveries that put mothers and new-borns in severe jeopardy.

The new state-of-the-art wing will offer comprehensive antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services to ensure the highest standards of care for mother and child. City of Masvingo holds a stellar track record in primary healthcare, boasting a clean slate over the past decade with zero neonatal and zero maternal deaths. This exceptional safety record is a direct result of the high-quality maternal services provided by the city’s skilled midwives, who deliver prompt obstetric care and manage life-threatening conditions like eclampsia and sepsis. To ensure total patient safety, the city works hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, seamlessly transferring patients to secondary and tertiary hospitals when major pregnancy complications arise.

The guest of honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon E.R Chadzamira highly commended the initiative, noting that a healthy nation is the foundation of a successful society and the core cornerstone of the government’s Vision 2030 goals.

He reiterated that the completion of Runyararo Clinic Martenity Wing serves as a direct response to community needs and fulfils the performance contracts of the Mayor and Town Clerk, showcasing strong governance and accountability aligning their efforts with the National Development Strategy (NDS2) and National Health Strategy, fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 3 for good health and well-being, and contributing to the vision of His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa.

Present were senior government officials, councillors, council managements and council stakeholders.

The City of Masvingo celebrated the dedication, loyalty and outstanding service of its employees during a long service awards and retirement ceremony held to recognise staff members who have devoted many years of service to the local authority, while also bidding farewell to retiring colleagues.

The ceremony brought together City of Masvingo management, staff members, retirees and their families, as well as officials from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), led by Regional Manager Mr. L. Maoche.

Speaking as the Guest of Honour, His Worship, the Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe commended employees for their unwavering commitment, professionalism and resilience, describing them as the City’s greatest asset.

“The greatest strength of any institution is its people. Behind every service delivered, every project completed and every milestone achieved are committed employees who faithfully carry out their responsibilities with integrity and dedication,” he said.

The Mayor applauded the long service award recipients for their loyalty and steadfast commitment, noting that their years of service reflected professionalism, discipline and an enduring commitment to public service. He acknowledged that many of the award recipients had served the City through changing economic conditions, organisational reforms, technological advancements and evolving community expectations while remaining dedicated to delivering quality services to residents.

He said their commitment had played a vital role in ensuring that the City of Masvingo continued to fulfil its mandate despite numerous challenges.

The ceremony also paid tribute to employees who have retired after years of distinguished service. The Mayor described retirement as not merely the end of a career but the celebration of a lifetime of contribution, recognising the invaluable knowledge, experience and wisdom the retirees had shared throughout their careers.

He said the retirees had strengthened departments, mentored younger employees, shaped institutional policies and contributed significantly to the growth and development of the City.

Addressing serving employees, he encouraged them to draw inspiration from the exemplary careers of the award recipients and retirees, emphasising that recognition is earned through years of dedication, discipline, teamwork, humility and consistent hard work.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of long service awards and recognition of retirees as an appreciation that employees remain the driving force behind effective service delivery and sustainable development.

The City of Masvingo joined the nation in commemorating the National Clean-Up Campaign for July under the theme, “Plastic Free Month: Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution,” reiterating commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.

The campaign highlighted the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, which remains one of the greatest environmental challenges affecting communities. The City of Masvingo used the occasion to encourage residents, businesses and institutions to play an active role in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment for future generations.

In line with the national theme, the City has continued to work closely with stakeholders and development partners to remove plastics from the environment, improve waste management and enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. These collaborative efforts have strengthened the City’s drive towards achieving a cleaner and more attractive urban environment.

One of the key initiatives showcased during the clean-up campaign is the innovative Big Bottle Bin, which encourages waste segregation at source. The specially designed receptacle allows residents to dispose of plastic bottles, plastic bags and other plastic packaging separately, while general waste is placed in the lower compartment. The initiative is expected to promote proper waste disposal and increase plastic recycling across the city.

The City’s Health Services Department has also intensified community awareness campaigns on waste segregation, while the Big Bottle Bin serves as a practical reminder of the importance of responsible waste disposal.

Demonstrating long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, the City of Masvingo indorsed its pledge to become a plastic-free city by 2030. To support this vision, Council is introducing an Environmental Monitors training program targeting schools across the city. The program will establish environmental clubs comprising between 20 and 30 learners per school. Upon completing the training, the learners will be certified as Environmental Stewards, empowering them to champion environmental conservation in their schools and communities.

The City also announced that it has secured a grant through GZI to strengthen its environmental management initiatives. The funding will support the expansion of waste reclamation and recycling programs, particularly the plastic purchasing initiative.

Currently, the City is partnering with Markingtorch, a recycling company that purchases segregated plastics at prices ranging from US$200 to US$350 per tonne. The initiative provides an economic incentive for plastic collection while significantly reducing plastic pollution within the city.

The City of Masvingo expresses gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for continued support in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable waste management.

Council indorsed commitment to intensifying efforts aimed at eliminating plastic pollution and ensuring that Masvingo becomes a clean, green and plastic-free provincial city.

The National Clean-Up Campaign served as a reminder that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, with every resident encouraged to be part of the solution by embracing proper waste management practices and reducing plastic pollution.

Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Hon Ezra Chadzamira was represented by the Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr. Douglas Chimhande.

Present was the Mayor for Masvingo, Cllr Aleck Tabe, Councilors, Council Management, Government Provincial Heads and Council stakeholders.