City of Masvingo today integrated gender-based violence (GBV) awareness initiative with the national clean-up day, during the annual 16 Days of Activism period (November 25 to December 10) running under the theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” focusing heavily on digital awareness and general advocacy.

The awareness event was held at Croco Motors, combining the practical efforts of the national clean-up with educational sessions on the health dangers of improper waste disposal and GBV awareness messages.

The core of the campaign involved general advocacy and raising awareness through various platforms, including social media and community engagement, promoting messages like “zero tolerance to GBV” and encouraging communities to support survivors.

This initiative involved collaborations with various organizations, such as Adult rape clinic, EMA, health clubs, N. Richards, Bakers Inn and ZESA, to amplify the message and provide support resources. The campaign emphasized the importance of knowing and accessing available resources for survivors, such as the Adult rape clinic.

The combination of the campaign is a strategic approach to leverage existing national mobilization efforts (like the monthly clean-up day) to reach a broader audience with crucial human rights and health messages simultaneously.

His Worship, the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe today officially handed over trophies and money prizes to the winning teams of the Mayor’s Cup (Masvingo United and Shine Shine Queens). Wangu Mazodze and Masvingo Queens also received silver medals and money prizes.

This gesture marked the successful conclusion of a series of charity sporting events aimed at raising resources for the annual Christmas Cheer Fund.

In his remarks, the Mayor expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the tournament. He highlighted that the initiative goes a long way in supporting vulnerable members of the community, particularly during the festive season.

This event showcased the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and social responsibility, which the City of Masvingo continues to promote through community-driven programs.

The City of Masvingo was a hive of activity on the 1st of November 2025 as over 300 enthusiastic participants took to the streets for the annual Mayor’s Cheer Fund Half Marathon. The event, which successfully raised funds for various local welfare initiatives was a vibrant display of community spirit and athleticism.

The marathon was run under the uplifting theme: “Run for charity”. The theme resonated well with the large turnout, which saw runners of all ages and abilities participating in various categories.

THREE RACE CATEGORIES, ONE GOAL-

The event offered three challenging yet rewarding distances: the 5km run, the 10km challenge, and the main event, the 21km half marathon. The races attracted a diverse field, from seasoned marathoners to casual runners and families looking for a healthy day out.

All routes culminated at the Civic Centre, where a large crowd gathered to cheer on the finishers. The atmosphere was electric as the top runners crossed the line.

WINNERS HONOURED AT GRAND FINALE –

A grand prize-giving ceremony was held immediately after the race, where outstanding participants were honoured with trophies, medals, and tokens of appreciation. One of the most heart-warming highlights was the enthusiastic participation of our local schools. Young athletes demonstrated remarkable prowess, with several learners claiming top positions in their respective categories. The energy and determination displayed by these young champions filled every spectator with immense pride.

In a gesture that truly embodied the spirit of community investment, the Scotland Football Supporters Greater Masvingo Chapter awarded scholarships to two exceptional learners,Anopa Shoshore of Kyle college and Fiona Gwebu of Rujeko secondary school. This transformative opportunity will undoubtedly change these young lives forever, proving that sport can indeed be a gateway to boundless possibilities.

The occasion was graced by several high-profile guests, including the host, His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe, and the Town Clerk for the City of Masvingo, Eng Edward Mukaratirwa. They were joined by various Cllrs and Directors from the city, as well as Mayors, Councillors and Town Clerks from other local authorities, underscoring the national importance of the event. Several other distinguished community members and stakeholders were also present. Scotland Football Club representatives all the way from Harare also graced the occasion and were part of the sponsors.

In his closing remarks, Mayor Tabe thanked all participants and sponsors for their generous support, emphasizing that the funds raised would go a long way in assisting the less privileged within the city.

“This is more than just a race,” said Mayor Tabe. “It is a demonstration of Masvingo’s commitment to caring for its own and promoting a healthy lifestyle. We are truly grateful to everyone who ran and contributed to the Mayor’s Cheer Fund.”

A SYMPHONY OF PARTNERSHIP

The resounding success of this 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Cheerfund half marathon stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. We extend our deepest gratitude to our visionary partners whose generous support made this dream a reality:

– Creative Analytics Africa Group

-Spungold

– ZB Bank

– Honey Comb

– Eastview Elites

– Scotland Football Club

– Blue Kingdom Funeral Services & Doves

– Econet Wireless

– The Village Restaurant

-Sunshine is Heaven Media

-Steel Makers

-Doves

The success of the 2025 Mayor’s Cheer Fund Half Marathon has set a high bar for next year, solidifying its place as a key fixture on the city’s calendar.

The newly established Masvingo truck stop along Beitbridge – Harare road just after Exor Shopping Centre now at 85% physical completion, has been designed to help alleviate the pressure on local infrastructure and provide a space where truck drivers, men and women can refuel and refresh as they continue their vital deliveries across the country.

The Beitbridge – Harare highway remains one of the country’s largest truck-delivery lifelines, and while there are rest stops for truck drivers along the 583.9km route, there appeared to be a gap in the City.

New truck stop is set to provide a safe and convenient space where large vehicles can park and refuel and also where truck drivers can buy food away from the CBD, thus decongesting the town.                  

With space for 70 heavy vehicles up to 22-meters in size parking overnight and parking space for 30 light vehicles to park comfortably, the new stop will have a 24-hour store for easy access to food and beverages, a gazebo area so truckers do not have to eat in their vehicles, and a shower and change room facility for drivers to refresh after a long journey.

The new truck stop will have four male shower areas and a separate two shower area for women.

The stop will continue to expand, with a series of other services set for development, including setting up a truck washing service.

The City of Masvingo today successfully hosted the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fundraising Schools Swimming Gala, bringing together local schools for a vibrant day of sports, cheer, and charity at Junior High School.

The event, held under the banner of supporting the less privileged members of Masvingo community during the festive season, saw enthusiastic participation from several primary and secondary schools across the city. 

Schools that participated include:

1. Victoria High School 

2. Junior High School 

3. Junior Primary School 

4. Vurombo Primary School 

5. Shakashe Primary School 

6. Dikwindi Primary School 

7. Rujeko Primary School 

8. Runyararo Primary School 

10. Francis Aphiri Primary School 

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe and the Provincial Education Director Mrs Mhike who graced the occasion as guest of honour both applauded the learners’ competitive spirit and the gala’s noble goal, raising funds to support vulnerable groups through the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund.  

In his remarks, the Mayor commended schools for their participation, sponsors for making the event possible and highlighted the importance of unity and social responsibility, while the Provincial Education Director underscored the role of sport in holistic education and community building.  

Sponsors of the event include:

1. Chicken inn

2. Junior High School 

3. Kingdom blue funeral services

   4. Honey Comb

5. First Pack

The swimming gala not only showcased young sporting talent but also strengthened collaboration between Council, the education sector, and the wider business community.

City of Masvingo has officially launched the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund, marking the beginning of a heartfelt initiative aimed at bringing joy and relief to vulnerable members of the community during the festive season.

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Aleck Tabe emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and community support during the online launch.

The Fund seeks donations in cash or kind to provide food hampers, clothing, and other essentials to the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities, and underprivileged families.

The Mayor encouraged local businesses, NGOs, and individuals to partner with council in making a tangible difference this festive season.

“Let us stand together in the spirit of Ubuntu and give hope where it is needed most,” he said.

Fundraising activities include, swimming gala at Junior High School on the 18th of October 2025 at 9:00 am, Half Marathon on the 1st of November 2025 from Civic Centre Gardens at 6:am, Golf Tournament on the 21st of November 2025 at Masvingo Golf Club at 9:00 am, Mayor’s Cup Challenge, date to be announced and dinner, date and venue to be announced. 

Contributions to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund can be submitted at the City of Masvingo offices or through official banking details below:

Account Name: ZB Bank

Branch : Masvingo

ZWL Account: 4407-094505-200

USD Account: 4407-0945505-405

City of Masvingo is proud to announce the successful completion of the maternity wing construction project at Runyararo Clinic. 

This milestone marks a significant step in the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare services in line with its service delivery mandate.

The newly completed maternity wing shall be fully equipped with:

– Delivery beds and post-natal care facilities  

– A waiting area for expecting mothers  

– Clean water supply and improved sanitation  

– Medical equipment to support safe deliveries  

Impact:  

This development is expected to:

– Improve access to safe delivery services  

– Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates  

– Ease pressure on referral hospitals  

– Promote institutional deliveries within the community  

Council commits to provision of quality health service delivery for all

The City of Masvingo’s health services department in conjunction with Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is conducting a measles-rubella vaccination campaign from the 6th to the 10th of October 2025, at schools, residential areas, shopping centres and all health facilities.

All children 6 months to 59 months will receive the measles-rubella vaccine and Viramin A Supplementation to boost immunity and protect their health.

The City of Masvingo has commenced a comprehensive road rehabilitation exercise aimed at improving accessibility and safety in residential areas. The program, which includes regravelling of key feeder roads, is part of Council’s ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and infrastructure development.

Maintaining road infrastructure is key in ensuring smooth mobility for residents, emergency services, and refuse collection.  

This regravelling program is in line with Council’s commitment to responsive service delivery. The program under ERRP2 is targeting roads that have deteriorated due to rains and increased traffic.

Residents in in Runyararo West and Hillside have welcomed the development, expressing gratitude to the Council’s commitment to excellent service delivery. 

The road rehabilitation exercise is being implemented using ERRP2 resources and forms part of the Council’s broader infrastructure improvement plan.