The City of Masvingo and City of Mutare are currently holding a joint capacity building workshop under the facilitation and funding of GIZ and EU. The 3-day workshop held as part of the Good Governance in Local Authorities (GGLA) project aims to strengthen the local authorities’ public financial management systems.

It is envisaged that this will enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient use of resources. The workshop is focused on offering councillors and non-financial managers with basic skills and understanding on budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and citizen engagement in fiscal matters.

The workshop which is primarily participatory is also providing a platform for peer learning and sharing of best practices in local government finance.

Topics to be covered include budgeting and revenue collection, programme-based budgeting, enhancing public financial management, stakeholders and their role in public financial management, importance of the committee system in public financial management, revenue collection and management, and analysis and understanding of financial reports.

Public Financial Management is one of the critical pillars in improving service delivery identified by the local authorities which GIZ through the GGLA project will be facilitating. In his opening remarks, City of Masvingo Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Daniel Mberikunashe expressed appreciation for the capacity-building initiative, which supports improved service delivery and good governance.

In a move meant to strengthen animal welfare and public health, the City of Masvingo has donated a vehicle to Masvingo SPCA to support control and management of stray animals (dogs) within the community.

The vehicle will be used for rescuing, transporting, and responding to animal-related emergencies.

This partnership reinforces the commitment to humane stray animal handling and reducing risks associated with roaming animals.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Daniel Mberikunashe and the Chamber Secretary, Mr Vitalis Shonhai during the handover ceremony commended Mavingo SPCA for its role in promoting responsible pet ownership in the City and pledged continued collaboration on animal control initiatives.

The City of Masvingo SMEs Indaba and Expo has officially concluded after a dynamic showcase of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

Over the course of the event, local SMEs exhibited their products and services, networked with potential partners, and engaged in insightful discussions on growth, formalisation, and sustainability.

Council extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, exhibitors, and partners for making the event a success. Together, we continue building a thriving local economy driven by empowered entrepreneurs.

In support of the national environmental clean-up efforts, the City of Masvingo has embarked on a comprehensive clean-up exercise across 3 wards.

Clean-up campaign aims to promote a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for residents.

The initiative targets illegal dumpsites, overgrown areas, blocked drains, and litter-prone zones.

Councilors, Management, Council employees, business community, residents, community groups, and stakeholders actively participated.

Council encourages all citizens to play their part by maintaining cleanliness, properly disposing of waste, and avoiding littering.

“Together, we can build a clean and sustainable city”

City of Masvingo’s Drug and Substance Abuse Committee held a strategic meeting on the 26th of June, aimed at intensifying the fight against rising tide of drug and substance abuse within the city.

The meeting which also aimed at strengthening community response, brought together key stakeholders from government departments, local health institutions, ZRP, community-based organizations and educational institutions.

The meeting focused on reviewing progress made in implementing the City’s drug and substance abuse response strategy, aligning with the national drug master plan.

Issues raised include, the current trends in drug use, emerging hotspots, and coordinated intervention mechanisms.

Key highlights from the meeting included:

Mapping of high-risk areas

Youth engagement and awareness campaigns

Council reaffirmes its commitment to continue working collaboratively, leveraging both local and national resources to ensure Masvingo remains a safe, healthy, and resilient city.

The City of Masvingo is participating in the 4th Edition for the All Councilors’ Indaba in Bulawayo under the theme: ‘Benchmarking Service Delivery towards Vision 2030’, showcasing its progress and innovations in upholding minimum service delivery standards.

At the exhibition stand, Council displayed key achievements in:

– Water supply and sanitation

– Road maintenance and public lighting

– Waste management

– Health and education infrastructure

– E-governance and citizen engagement

Councilors and delegates commended the City of Masvingo for its efforts in responsive, inclusive, and sustainable service delivery. The exhibition reinforced Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved quality of life for residents.

The City of Masvingo has received a consignment of PrEP injectable and PrEP rings from PangeaZimbabwe, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and sexual health services.

The handover ceremony, held at Runyararo Clinic today, marked a milestone in advancing access to innovative HIV prevention options, especially for adolescent girls and young women.

Director Health Services, Ms Suzanne Hazel Madamombe applauded the partnership, noting that the PrEP rings will complement existing prevention strategies and expand choices for at-risk populations.

This support strengthens our commitment to safeguarding community health.

The Department reaffirmed its commitment to work with the community to improve access, awareness, and uptake of long-acting HIV prevention solutions.

On Friday, the City of Masvingo’s Department of Health Services in collaboration with the anti smuggling team intercepted a consignment of smuggled meat (chicken) being transported from South Africa in transit to Harare into the local market.

The meat, which lacked proper veterinary clearance and documentation, was deemed unsafe for human consumption and posed a serious public health risk.

In line with Public Health Act, the meat was confiscated and safely destroyed at Cambria Landfill under the supervision of Council health inspectors and veterinary team.

The importation of meat is illegal as a way to safeguard the community from GMOs and also protect our local market because smuggled goods are usually stollen and do not pay duty so they become so cheap.

Council urges residents and vendors to only source meat from licensed and inspected suppliers to ensure community safety and prevent the spread of disease.

We remain committed to protecting public health through strict enforcement of food safety standards.

Today – A delegation led by the Director Health Services, Ms Hazel Madamombe, and nurses, conducted an oversight visit to the North West Medical Centre and Runyararo Clinic.

The recently conducted tour aimed at assessing progress of ongoing construction projects, including a biodigester, a maternity wing, and a new kitchen facility at the two facilities.

The visit also aimed to assess progress, ensure infrastructure meets health standards, and provide technical input to improve functionality and safety.

The biodigester will enhance waste management, while the kitchen facility is expected to improve food services for patients and staff. The maternity wing will expand access to quality maternal care.

The Health Services Team also assessed progress of works at the clinics which include greening of the clinic environment.

Construction of biodigester for methane gas production will be used to power an incinerator and the kitchen.

City of Masvingo today held an induction workshop for newly elected Junior Councilors, aimed at equipping them with foundational knowledge in governance, leadership, and youth participation.

The induction program running under the theme, “Bringing youth together for the betterment of Zimbabwe ” is set to equip new junior councilors with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively fulfill their duties and responsibilities, including understanding local government systems, policies and procedures as well as their role in representing the community.

The training covered key topics including:

– The concept and framework of local governance and youth participation

– Leadership

– Junior Councilors Code of conduct

– Empowering young leaders

-Grooming and Etiquette

-Roles and responsibilities of Junior Councilors in Local Governance

– Child rights and participation

Facilitators emphasized the importance of active youth engagement in decision-making processes and encouraged junior leaders to be ambassadors of positive change in their communities.

This initiative reflects Council’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and promoting inclusive governance.