Norton community, football club join forces in clean-up

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

KATANGA and Paspeed Market in Norton today bustled with activity as residents, local leaders, and footballers joined forces in a massive clean-up campaign.

The initiative, led by Zanu PF Ward 7 Councillor Tinashe Machemedze in partnership with Moors World of Sport Football Club (MWOS FC), is part of a nationwide effort inspired by President Mnangagwa’s declaration of the first Friday of every month as National Clean-Up Day.

The campaign, which began at 8am, saw MWOS FC players and technical staff working alongside community members to clear litter and promote environmental stewardship.

The event stressed the growing collaboration between local government and private sector partners in addressing both environmental and socio-economic challenges in Norton.

Clr Machemedze: “This is Our Home, and We Must Keep It Clean.”

Clr Tinashe Machemedze, a lifelong resident and a Zanu PF councillor in Norton, expressed gratitude for the presidential initiative and the support from MWOS FC.

“We are grateful to His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, for declaring the first Friday of every month a clean-up day. This has awakened us to our responsibility to keep our streets and towns clean,” said Cllr Machemedze.

“Today’s campaign is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. I want to thank MWOS Football Club for partnering with us and bringing their players and technical team to support this cause. This is our home, and we must keep it clean for ourselves and future generations.”

He also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Ward 7, particularly water shortages, and the importance of partnerships in driving development.

“Water remains a major challenge in our ward, but through partnerships, we have managed to install several solar-powered boreholes, ensuring that our people have access to clean water even when council supplies are unreliable. I am proud of the progress we are making, and I thank all our partners for their continued support,” he added.

MWOS FC Chairman: “Giving Back Is Part of Our DNA”

MWOS FC, founded in 2019 and owned by SunBets (Private) Limited, has become a pillar of community support in Norton. The club’s chairman, Mr Clayton Arimoso, emphasised the importance of social responsibility.

“As MWOS FC, we believe that football is more than just a game—it is a vehicle for positive change. Bringing our players and staff to participate in the clean-up is our way of giving back to the community that supports us,” said Mr Arimoso.

“We are committed to working with local leaders like Councillor Machemedze to improve lives, whether through employment, infrastructure, or social initiatives. Today’s turnout shows the power of unity and the impact we can have when we come together.”

MWOS FC’s community involvement extends beyond clean-up campaigns. The club has created employment for approximately 400 residents in Ward 7, supported local hospitals with donations, and invested in upgrading sports facilities, including the renovation of Ngoni Stadium.

-Addressing Development Challenges in Ward 7

Ward 7, home to around 1,000 households, continues to grapple with water shortages and infrastructure deficits. Councillor Machemedze has been at the forefront of efforts to address these issues, leading the installation of solar-powered boreholes and facilitating partnerships for social welfare and education support.

International partnerships, such as with the United Arab Emirates has partly eased the water challenges, the ward has benefited from local and NGO-driven water projects, improving access to clean water for many residents.

National Clean-Up Campaign: A Presidential Vision

President Mnangagwa’s National Clean-Up Day, launched in December 2018, has become a fixture across Zimbabwe, mobilising citizens, businesses, and civic groups to take responsibility for their environment. The campaign’s theme, “Zero Tolerance to Litter – My Environment, My Pride,” resonates strongly in communities like Norton, where local leadership and private sector engagement are driving tangible change.

The partnership between local government and MWOS FC is delivering real benefits for Norton, from cleaner streets to job creation and improved water access.

The clean-up campaign in Norton’s Ward 7 stands as a model of effective collaboration between civic leaders and the private sector.