Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
KWEKWE City Council has set an ambitious target of US$40 000 for this year’s Mayor’s Cheer Fund, with the fundraising drive teeing off in style at the Kwekwe Golf Club fairways on Saturday.
The Mayor’s Golf Fundraising Tournament, which drew more than 50 golfers from the city’s business community, is the first major anchor event for the Mayor’s Cheer Fund 2026, the city’s flagship philanthropic initiative that brings festive cheer to the elderly, orphans and vulnerable families during Christmas and into the New Year.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tournament, Kwekwe Mayor Councilor Albert Zinhanga said the overwhelming response from corporates was testament to the indomitable spirit of benevolence that defines the ‘City of Gold’.
“Today as we’re all aware is the golf fundraising for the Mayor’s cheer fund 2026. It was organised by the Housing Department together with the Mayor’s office. The purpose of this fundraising is to raise money for charitable works during the Christmas time and after Christmas time,” he said.
“Council has set a target of US$40 000 for this year’s Cheer Fund. Our target for the Mayor’s cheer fund this year is US$40 000. This is the beginning with the golf tournament that is now here today. I believe by the time that we reach the Mayor’s dinner we’ll reach our target.
“The Kwekwe community is a loving community. They respond to social needs. So, I know we’ll reach our targets.”
Organised by the Housing Department in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office, the tournament saw captains of industry swap boardrooms for birdies in a resounding show of corporate social responsibility and civic solidarity.
The Mayor said no resident should feel marginalised during the festive season on account of their social background.
“As you can see, there are so many companies that have joined us today. I’m really excited especially with the support that we have received from the business communities. They responded well. This is a sign that the people of Kwekwe we look after each other. We think of others,” he said.
“We’re not going to have a Christmas, which is different from levels of the societal background. So, as the Mayor I’m happy that today we had the fundraising for the Kwekwe Mayor’s Golf Fundraising Tournament.
I want to thank the Kwekwe community and the business community for supporting such a cause so that all the people will enjoy the Christmas and New Year and afterwards programmes that comes through the Mayor’s office.”
More than 50 golfers had registered by mid-morning, with others still arriving, creating a hive of activity at the club.
“There are so many golfers here, the last time I was updated there were more than 50 people. There are so many people who came and others arrived a bit late. But as you can see there is hive of activities that is happening today,” said the Mayor.
Beyond the charity, he said the tournament was cementing a growing partnership between council and the business community.
“As you know the city has been receiving support from the business community. I can simply say we are receiving so much support from the business communities and partnerships especially when we’re looking at the corporate social responsibilities. The companies are eager.
“They’re coming on board. So, we’re looking forward to many more partnerships with the companies and the business community.”
Proceeds from the golf tournament will go towards the Mayor’s Cheer Fund, which provides food hampers, clothes and other support to vulnerable households before the annual Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Dinner, where the final total will be announced.
