By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe mayor Cllr Albert Zinhanga is targeting US$40,000 for the 2026 Mayor’s Cheer Fund, with a golf tournament at Kwekwe Golf Club marking the start of fundraising efforts to support charitable programmes during and after the Christmas holidays.
The tournament, organised by the City of Kwekwe’s Housing department in conjunction with the mayor’s office, attracted business representatives and golfers as the local authority sought to mobilise resources for vulnerable members of the community.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the tournament, Zinhanga said he was encouraged by the response from the business community and expressed confidence that the fundraising target would be achieved by the time of the mayor’s dinner.
“Our target for the Mayor’s Cheer Fund this year is US$40,000. I think this is the beginning with the golf tournament that is now here today. I believe by the time that we reach to the mayor’s dinner, we will reach our target,” he said.
Zinhanga said the fund was intended to support charitable activities to ensure that people from disadvantaged backgrounds could also enjoy the festive season.
He thanked local businesses and residents for supporting the initiative, saying their participation reflected a willingness to assist those in need.
“I’m really excited, especially with the support that we have received from the business communities. They responded well and this is a sign that the people of Kwekwe look after each other,” he said.
The mayor said the local authority was also seeking to strengthen partnerships with companies through corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustain support for community programmes.
“We are receiving so much support from the business communities and partnerships, especially when we are looking at corporate social responsibilities. The companies are eager, they are coming on board,” he said.
Zinhanga said more partnerships with the private sector would help the city expand its capacity to respond to social needs beyond the festive season.
He said more than 50 golfers had been reported to have registered or attended the event at the time of his latest update, with other participants arriving later.
The golf tournament is part of the 2026 Mayor’s Cheer Fund fundraising programme, with the mayor’s dinner expected to provide another opportunity to mobilise contributions towards the US$40,000 target.
