By Virginia Njovo
The Masvingo community demonstrated exceptional generosity as the Mayor’s Cheerfund for 2025 raised a total of USD 28,715, significantly surpassing its USD 20,000 goal.
This year’s achievement marks a dramatic improvement, tripling the USD 7,000 raised against a similar target in 2024.
The successful fundraising drive, championed by Mayor Alec Tabe, featured five key events designed for broad community participation: a swimming gala, a soccer tournament, a half marathon, a golf tournament, and a fundraising dinner.
The 2025 initiative ran under theme, “leaving no one behind,” and was reflected in both the variety of activities and the wide range of beneficiaries.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Masvingo Civic Centre Hall on December 17, Mayor Tabe expressed profound gratitude to Masvingo community for heeding to the cause to put smiles to the less priviledged.
“I want to thank the business community for giving back to the community of Masvingo, to the residents of Masvingo for their continued support towards the elderly and less privileged,” he said.
The raised funds and goods were donated numerous institutions and individuals in form of cash gifts and Christmas grocery hampers.
Beneficiaries included Alpha Cottages, Ngomahuru Hospital, Magaretta Hugo and Capota School, Morgenster Hospital, Masvingo Provincial Hospital, Mucheke Old People’s Home, and Jairos Jiri, among others.
A highlight of the ceremony was a special donation facilitated by Commissioner Sternly Kondongwe of the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services, who gifted a wheelchair to a member of the community in need.
Representatives from the receiving institutions shared their appreciation with Alpha Cottages Superintendent Chishamiso Mhizha saying the donation will put smiles on the kids.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Mayor of the City of Masvingo with this gesture during this festive season, I want to thank all the management of the City council who have made this day possible, not forgetting those who have stretched their hands towards us the less privileged,” said Mhizha.
Capota School for the Blind representative Mildred Baye also thanked the Mayor and his team for the gifts they have received.
“I want to thank the Mayor and City of Masvingo Management for this remembrance during this festive season, we greatly appreciate, we have received cash and some groceries from this program,” said Baye.
The 2025 Mayor’s Cheerfund stands as a testament to the power of collaborative civic effort, turning community spirit into tangible support for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
