5 October 2026

UPDATE ON THE HEAVY HAILSTORM AND DAMAGE ACROSS MASVINGO CITY

Dear Residents of Masvingo City,

It is with deep concern and a heavy heart that I address you following the severe hailstorm that struck parts of Masvingo City this evening.

The storm has caused extensive damage to homes, private property, and critical city infrastructure. Preliminary reports indicate that a number of residential properties have had their roofs blown off, while windows, windowpanes and sliding gates have been damaged or completely destroyed. Several vehicles have also suffered damage to their windscreens, while solar panels and other household infrastructure have been affected.

The extent of the damage is significant and deeply distressing. Most concerning is that several families have been left with their homes exposed to the elements tonight.

As part of the City’s immediate response and mitigation measures, Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall have been opened to accommodate affected families and provide temporary safe storage for furniture and other household belongings. Residents whose homes have been severely affected are encouraged to make use of these facilities while further assistance and assessments are being coordinated.

The City of Masvingo together with the Masvingo District Civil Protection Unit is working to assess the full extent of the damage and identify the immediate needs of affected residents. Our teams are currently conducting assessments, and further information will be communicated as it becomes available.

I wish to assure all residents that the City authorities are seized with this emergency. We are engaging relevant stakeholders and emergency response structures to collaborate and ensure that the situation is addressed as swiftly as possible.

I appeal to residents to remain calm, exercise caution and assist one another, particularly vulnerable members of our communities, including children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities and families whose homes have been severely damaged.

Our thoughts are with every family and individual affected by this devastating disaster. We stand together as a city during this difficult time, and we will continue to provide updates as the damage assessment progresses.

May I urge all residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety tonight.

Day 2 of Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo 2026 is in full swing, and the City of Masvingo exhibition stand is buzzing with activity as visitors, tourism stakeholders, exhibitors and industry players engage with the city’s rich heritage, tourism offerings and investment opportunities.

The City is telling its story through a vibrant exhibition that brings together heritage, culture, tourism, investment and urban development, showcasing Masvingo as a city where Zimbabwe’s past meets its future.

Visitors are getting a glimpse of some of Masvingo’s iconic heritage assets, including the 1992 Bell Tower, 1893 Curfew Tower, KwaVaMuzenda Homestead, Italian Chapel, historic NRZ railway infrastructure and Charles Austin Theatre, among other attractions.

The exhibition is also providing a platform for the City to highlight its strategic position, investment potential and vision for a modern, competitive and tourism-driven urban centre.

With the buzz continuing to build, City of Masvingo is not just exhibiting, it is telling its story, connecting with the world and putting its heritage and opportunities firmly on the tourism map.

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