Online Reporter
The Gweru Lions Club and Gweru Greater Lions Club marked a milestone moment in their shared history last Saturday when they hosted a vibrant joint changeover luncheon that officially ushered in new club leadership for the 2026–2027 Lionistic Year.
The well-attended ceremony brought together Lions, Leos, Rotarians, business leaders, community partners, family and friends in a spirit of fellowship and renewed commitment to service.
The event was presided over by district leadership, with first vice district governor, Lion Yvonne Ngozo and second vice district governor, Lion Cosmas Chisare, leading the official delegation.
Past district governors, district cabinet members and Lions from across the district — including clubs from Kwekwe,
Masvingo, and Chiredzi — attended, underlining the strong bonds of camaraderie that define the Lions movement.
Members of the Gweru Rotary family also graced the occasion, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two service organisations in advancing humanitarian work across Gweru and beyond.
Guest of Honour Mr Simon Mutisya, managing director of the Bata Shoe Company, delivered an address that resonated with the Lions’ values of service and community impact.
He commended the work of both clubs in transforming communities and affirmed that kindness is central to Bata’s own business philosophy.
“Today’s consumers are valuing how brands, environmentally friendly products and customer service make them feel more than the cost of the products. Lions is also doing the same by extending kindness to society,” said Mr Mutisya.
He noted that the company’s corporate social responsibility activities align with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3,4 and 6, which also speak on Lions Club International’s mandate.
He cited the example of Lions’ involvement in empowering youth and funding literacy programmes, infrastructure development and mentorship, which is in line with SDG number 4.
Mr Mutisya said Bata as a company has partnered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education through its flagship corporate social responsibility programme, the Bata Children’s programme where they have an ECD school with 200 learners, Bata Junior School with over 1 000 learners and Bata Senior School with over 400 learners all drawn from the surrounding community in Gweru and beyond.
He said like the Lions, the company’s management and staff have the passion to empower communities and change lives.
Mr Mutisya expressed willingness to partner with Lions in their projects to make the world a better place.
In a personal reflection, he also indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to join the Lions movement himself which was well received and applauded by the Lions present. Gweru Lions Club and Bata Shoe Company share an existing connection through their collaboration on the 2025–2026 Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest, in which Bata Primary School was one of the participants.
A memorable recognition segment saw appreciation awards being presented to Zone and Club Level leaders in acknowledgement of their dedicated service and exemplary leadership by past zone chairperson Lion Virginia
Makanza and the immediate past presidents of both clubs — Lion Tracey of Gweru Lions Club and Lion Abigail of Gweru Greater Lions Club.
The outgoing presidents took the occasion to express heartfelt gratitude to the district leadership team, the boards of both clubs, and all partners whose teamwork made for a successful Lionistic year.
In her acceptance address, incoming Gweru Lions Club president Lion Gloria Mawere struck a tone of humility, determination and collective purpose.
Drawing on the 2026–2027 International President Mark S. Lyon’s theme, Rooted in Service, she outlined four areas of focus for the coming year: growing club membership, deepening the impact of community projects, strengthening support for the Leo youth programme, and fostering a culture of fellowship and fun within the club.
“We will not serve for the sake of activity. Every project we undertake will be purposeful, measurable and community-driven. Let us not just do more — let us do better,” she said.
Lion Mawere paid tribute to her predecessor, past president Lion Tracey, for her selfless service and the legacy she leaves behind, pledging that the club would carry that legacy forward with honour.
The luncheon closed in a spirit of celebration and optimism, with both clubs inviting the broader community to engage with their work in the year ahead, citing the African adage that says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.
The Lions movement, one of the world’s largest service organisations, operates across eight global causes — including childhood cancer, disaster relief, hunger, vision, and youth empowerment — and its Gweru chapters have a track record of eye camps, responding to natural disasters, participation in national clean-up campaigns and school-based initiatives among others, that have touched countless lives in the city.
“Let our impactful service testify that where there is a need, there is a Lion. Let our community look back on 2026–2027 and say: the Lions were here — and things are better because of it, being guided by our motto; we serve,” said Lion Mawere.
