By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 23 December 2025– Scores of less privileged residents, including people living with disabilities, the elderly and orphans, on Monday received food hampers under the Mayor’s Cheer Fund programme held at Mutare Hall, in an initiative aimed at ensuring vulnerable groups enjoy the festive season with dignity.
Addressing beneficiaries, Mutare Town Clerk Blessing K. Chafesuka said the programme, formerly known as the Christmas Cheer Fund, had been rebranded to reflect its broader social support mandate.
“It is time to share. This programme strengthens the relationship between Residents and Council,” said Chafesuka. “It is no longer called the Christmas Cheer Fund but the Mayor’s Cheer Fund. If resources permit, we will continue supporting each other throughout the year.”
Chafesuka said Council was also running an education support scheme targeting vulnerable children who are failing to pay school fees.
“We have a bursary for students who cannot afford fees. Some children are already going to school through the Mayor’s bursary – at primary, secondary and even university level,” he said.
He added that fundraising efforts were ongoing to expand the programme’s reach.
“Yesterday we held a golf tournament to raise funds for the Mayor’s programme. Through these efforts, we intend to buy wheelchairs, crutches and other assistive devices,” Chafesuka said.
The Mayor, Councillor Simon Chabuka, was represented at the event by Deputy Mayor Alderman John Nyamhoka, who said the initiative was a long-standing Council tradition that must be sustained beyond the current leadership.
“This programme has a history even before we came into Council. We do not want to be remembered as leaders who failed to continue it,” Nyamhoka said. “The Mayor’s Cheer Fund must go on even after we leave office.”
Nyamhoka revealed that unlike in previous years when the programme relied heavily on external donations, the 2025 edition was funded directly by Council.
“We used to receive these goods through donations, but unfortunately those who used to support us are also struggling. All the groceries you see today were bought using Council funds – money that comes from you,” he said. “I urge residents to continue paying whatever little they have to Council so that such programmes can continue.”
One of the beneficiaries, Rutendo Makamure, welcomed the initiative, saying it had positively impacted many vulnerable households in Mutare.
“This programme has helped many people in the community,” she said. “We are grateful, but we also appeal to the City fathers to prioritise people living with disabilities by buying wheelchairs and crutches.”
The Mayor’s Cheer Fund is part of Mutare City Council’s social welfare initiatives targeting vulnerable communities, particularly during the festive season.
