Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
KADOMA on Saturday marked its belated 25th anniversary as a city with the Mayor’s Cheer Fund Half-Marathon, whose proceeds will benefit nearly a thousand community members in need.
Officially granted city status in March 2000, Kadoma is the only city in Mashonaland West province.
The half-marathon drew several running clubs and athletes from across the country, including notable groups from Gweru, Kwekwe, and Masvingo.
The event featured three race categories: 5km, 10km, and the main 25km half-marathon, along with an aerobics session.
The Mayor’s Cheer Fund Half-Marathon is part of several initiatives the city has organised to raise funds for the less fortunate.
Kadoma Mayor, Cllr Nigel Ruzario, highlighted various developmental projects undertaken by the council and stated that, as part of the silver jubilee celebrations, proceeds from his cheer fund would support 10 homes in the city.
“We are targeting to support 10 homes for people with needs. These include elderly and children’s homes,” he said.
“This half-marathon is one of many initiatives we have. We will also hold golf and pool tournaments.”
The council will additionally receive a 3 percent share of the proceeds generated from the well-known October Kadoma Musical Festival, which has previously attracted international acts.
Last year, the festival featured Jamaican artists Busy Signal and Chris Martin, while Makhadzi and Kofi Olomide have also graced the event at different times.
Kadoma Central Member of Parliament, Gift Mambipiri, emphasised the importance of stakeholder participation for the city’s development, urging the community to engage in initiatives like the half-marathon to support the council’s noble causes.
Kwekwe Mayor, Cllr Albert Zinhanga, who also took part in the marathon, noted the shared connections between the neighbouring cities.
“We share a lot in common, and our participation in this year’s half-marathon shows how close we are. We will work to strengthen our partnerships so that our cities grow,” he said.
During the race, Odyssey Runners Club member, Ms Tabeth Hove, stated that aside from fundraising, the marathon was also an excellent opportunity for exercise and social interaction.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, Mashonaland West chairman, Mr Enias Nhoro, mentioned that the run promotes healthy living but also urged social running clubs to register formally with the organisation.
Kadoma, with a current population exceeding 120 000, was known as Gatooma during the colonial era.
It functions as a major hub for agriculture and industry, notable for gold mining, cotton processing, and manufacturing.
