Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Victoria Falls City Council has officially launched its 2025 Mayor’s Cheer Fund with a target of raising US$20 000 to support vulnerable families across the city, marking a heart-warming start to the festive season.
The launch, held at the Council Town Offices yesterday, was a vibrant celebration of community solidarity, featuring carols by Mosi-oa-Tunya High School and Happy Hearts Primary School, entertainment from local groups, and the lighting of Christmas lights presided over by Deputy Mayor Lungile Nyoni.
In a gesture of immediate impact, 40 grocery hampers were distributed to vulnerable families on the same day.
Victoria Falls public relations officer, Mr Leonard Ncube, gave a detailed account of the activities that paved the way for the launch.
“The Mayor’s Cheer Fund is an annual year-round initiative aimed at fundraising for charity and giving back,” he said.
Mr Ncube said this year’s programme uniquely blended sport, environmental consciousness, and communal participation.
The festivities kicked off with a two-day soccer tournament at Chinotimba Stadium on November 29 and 30, featuring 14 teams from Victoria Falls and Buhera Rural District Council. Insika Hotel FC emerged victorious after a spirited final against Shearwater FC.
This was followed on December 5 by a hugely successful walkathon, which saw over 200 participants tackling routes of 50km, 20km, and 10km starting points upon payment of a US$10 fee, which included a sports vest and medal.
Crucially, the walkathon carried a green message.
“Along the way there was a clean-up characterised by picking litter along the highway, with each partnering organisation adopting a 5km stretch to clean,” said Mr Ncube.
Partners included Hwange Rural District Council, Pristine Victoria Falls Society, Greenline Africa, and several local businesses and NGOs.
“The Mayor’s Cheer Fund is there to encourage the spirit of Ubuntu and giving back. It supports vulnerable community members in the spirit of leaving no one behind, ensuring that all families are cushioned with safety nets for improved livelihoods and nutrition,” said Mr Ncube.
While the donation window remains open, the council has already received substantial support.
“The City Council is grateful to all organisations, individuals, businesses, and informal traders that have so far assisted,” he said.
Mr Ncube noted that the distributed grocery hampers containing mealie-meal, cooking oil, soap, and other essentials were generously donated by stakeholders, particularly informal traders and shops.
This year’s edition stood out for its expanded reach and innovation.
“This was the second time the council held a walkathon, and the number of participants and organisations increased. The inclusion of a sports extravaganza was unique. Although plans for a Highlanders FC match fell through, the tournament we held ignited the spirit of Ubuntu and unity,” he said.
With a clear monetary target of US$20 000, the initiative is steered by a dedicated Cheer Fund Committee Trust.
As Victoria Falls enters the festive period, the Mayor’s Cheer Fund is proving that even in a premier tourist destination, the greatest priority remains caring for its own.
