AUDREY MASHINGAIDZE
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO -Seventeen members of the German – Zimbabwe Society led by its coordinator Rev Kerstin Hemker were in Masvingo on Wednesday to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the twinning between Masvingo City Council and Kernen City.
The twinning began in 1984 and has resulted in several developmental projects as construction of Mucheke Old Peoples Home, Alpha Cottages and Runyararo Clinic in Yeukai.
The delegation was welcomed by Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe, his deputy Daniel Mberikunashe, Masvingo – Kernen Association, councillors and management.
Rev Hemker said the relationship between Masvingo City and Kernen are deeply embedded and they have uplifted the lives of the underprivileged.
“City of Masvingo in partnership with Kernen City’s continuous efforts to improve the social wellbeing of the less privileged members of the community is commendable and I hope with this partnership the society will go a long way,” she said
Tabe said the relationship between the two councils should be emulated as it has saved countless lives, improved service delivery and international relations.
“We thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to come and visit us. We appreciate you. The agreement between the Germany City of Kernen and Masvingo City demonstrates the importance of twinning protocols between the local authorities and we should continue working together for the betterment of residents and relations,” he said.
The delegation toured North West Medical Center in Runyararo West, Mucheke Old Peoples Home and Masvingo Vocational Training Center where they donated various items including US$2 000, clothes, arm slings, abdominal bands, ankle splinters and knee splinters.
The twinning of the cities resulted in the construction of a kitchen and dining hall at Bondolfi Teachers College in 1986 – 87, construction of Craft Centre 1990- 1991, Runyararo Clinic (1991), Mucheke Old Peoples Home in 1998, Alpha Cottages, Kernen Park and the donation of an ambulance and other equipment to Masvingo City.
The association is also paying school fees for disadvantaged pupils.