Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
MUTARE will tomorrow (Saturday) turn pink as residents, corporates, and health advocates take to the streets for the annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk, an event which marks Pinktober, the global month dedicated to cancer awareness.
The city is expected to host hundreds of participants for the 2025 edition, which will start at Manicaland Motoring Club, before proceeding along key city routes in the five kilometres and 10 kilometres categories.
The walk will conclude with a wellness session featuring zumba, basic health checks and cancer screenings.
The event, now in its 10th year, continues to unite people under one message, that early detection saves lives.
The Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk was launched in 2015 as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme.
In an interview ahead of the event, The Manica Post Editor, Mr Cletus Mushanawani, said this year’s event is running under the theme: ‘Walk, Run, Cycle and Believe in the Cause.’
“Participating in the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk is, not just a show of solidarity, but a powerful act of community-driven advocacy that has grown stronger over the past decade. Over the last 10 years, the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk has evolved into a flagship national event, uniting Zimbabweans across cities in the fight against cancer.
“The Zimpapers Mutare Unit which encompasses The Manica Post and Diamond FM, has consistently championed this initiative, recognising its dual role as a public health campaign and a symbol of corporate social responsibility,” he said.
Mr Mushanawani said the event is being held as a partnership between Zimpapers and Island Hospice and Healthcare.
“Funds raised through the walk support Island Hospice and Health Care, enabling critical services for patients and families affected by cancer,” he said.
He added that the cancer power walk is open to everyone.
“As we are marking the 10th edition of this important initiative, I encourage all citizens, especially those in Mutare and Manicaland, to step up and be part of this growing legacy. Whether walking in person or virtually, each participant helps strengthen the national resolve to combat cancer and uplift those affected,” said Mr Mushanawani.
Participants are expected to start arriving at Manicaland Motoring Club as early as 5.30am, with the official flag-off set for 6am. Participants are encouraged to wear pink in support of Pinktober.
Registration for participation is open at The Manica Post Building, and will continue up to tomorrow morning at Manicaland Motoring Club.
In an interview, Island Hospice and Healthcare Manicaland Branch coordinator, Mrs Alice Dube, said the collaboration between the two organisations is a strategic effort to amplify awareness through both healthcare and media.
“The partnership between Island Hospice and Zimpapers is centred on the Cancer Power Walk, launched through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015. It brings together Island Hospice’s palliative care experience and Zimpapers’ communication platforms to raise cancer awareness, mobilize funds, and promote early detection in our communities,” said Mrs Dube.
She said funds raised from the Mutare walk directly support cancer patients and their families in the province.
“The proceeds from the Cancer Power Walk directly translate into better patient care, wider community reach, and stronger health systems support. They help us serve more patients regardless of their financial ability, increase awareness about cancer, and promote early screening and healthy lifestyles,” she explained.
Mrs Dube emphasised that cancer is, not only a medical condition, but a social challenge that affects families and communities.
“We want participants to remember that early detection saves lives. People should know their bodies and seek screening early. Cancer affects entire communities, survivors, families, and caregivers all need ongoing support, including palliative and psychosocial care. Most importantly, collective action matters. Community participation, giving, and advocacy sustain the services that reach the most vulnerable,” she said.
She also encouraged members of the public to continue supporting Island Hospice and Healthcare even after the walk through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and awareness programmes.
“Every contribution counts, whether it is your time, resources, or advocacy. Together, we can ensure that no one faces cancer alone,” said Mrs Dube.
The event will also feature several corporate teams and health partners who have pledged to offer free services such as blood pressure checks, sugar testing, and counselling.
