Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-All is set for this year’s Masvingo Provincial Friends of the Environment (FOTE) in conjunction with Nyaradzo Group Walkathon scheduled for the 29th November 2025 with participants expected to walk 19 kilometres from Mupandawana Town to Mushayavanhu High School.
Organised by Friends of the Environment in partnership with Nyaradzo Group, the annual Walkathons held at both provincial and national levels aims to raise awareness on environmental issues including deforestation, afforestation, climate change and ecosystem restoration.
Launched in 2015, the initiative forms part of FOTE’s ambitious national programme to plant 500 million trees by 2026. To date, more than 20 million trees have been planted across Zimbabwe.
A Provincial Development Team led by Deputy Director Coordination in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Paul Mangure together with a Nyaradzo Group delegation led by Masvingo Branch Manager Fortune Mawoyo, convened a stakeholders meeting in Gutu last week to finalise preparations for the event.
Running under the theme “Walkathon 2025 Rooted in Action: From Footsteps to Forests,” the provincial edition precedes the 110km national Walkathon, which will run from Harare to Murombedzi.
Outlining event logistics, Nyaradzo’s Audience Changoroma said the Walkathon continues to grow in popularity, attracting participants from across the country who benefit from both the health and environmental advocacy aspects of the programme.
She said the Gutu District edition which will draw participants from across Masvingo will prioritise local residents, young and old.
Registration is open to individuals, groups, organisations and community clubs.
A US$10 registration fee payable in cash, online or via EcoCash covers food, T-shirts, refreshments, certificates of participation and medals. Forms can be obtained in person or online.
As part of this year’s activities, FOTE will provide 8,500 mixed tree seedlings to 14 schools in Gutu District with 2,500 trees set to be planted officially at Mushayavanhu High School on the Walkathon day.
Mangure urged residents from all corners of the district to take part, noting that the event aligns with the Health and Wellness Programme launched by the Second Republic, which mandates all civil servants, parastatals, agencies, local authorities and uniformed forces to participate in physical activities every Wednesday between 1400 and 1600 hours.
He emphasised that the Walkathon seeks to promote environmental awareness and responsible land management while also contributing to national health and fitness goals.
The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is expected to provide entertainment on the day including performances from musical bands, poets and dance groups.
Masvingo Province previously hosted the national Walkathon in 2019 where participants covered 105km from Gokomere to Nyika. Last year’s provincial edition was held in Chiredzi, covering 25km from Triangle to Uswaushava.
