MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO-A granny at Mucheke Old People’s Home stunned delegates Masvingo twin city of Kernen in Germany when she told them that she used to stay in the European economic giant as a sugarcane farmer.
Gogo Mapuvire Nyamadzawo (97) told the delegation which was led by Masvingo City Mayor Cllr Aleck Tabe as well as Reverend Kerstin Hemker and Reverend Dr Reinhold Hemker, Deputy Mayor Daniel Mberikunashe that when she was in Germany where she spent most her time she used to be a prominent sugarcane farmer.
Gogo Mapuvire claimed to have grown up in Germany as a sugarcane farmer and she considers the country her second home.
The officials were amazed by Gogo Nyamadzawo’s tale, which sparked a lively discussion among the delegates as she narrated her life experiences and cultural background.
Kernen City partners went on to donate medical equipment to the North West Medical Center and Runyararo Clinic, aimed at improving healthcare services for the residents.
The high powered delegation also donated US$1000 hard cash, clothes, and sunscreen lotions to the Mucheke Old People’s Home.
Reverend Hemker emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual support, saying, “We have a serious transport challenge to ferry modern medical equipment from Germany to Zimbabwe as it is extremely expensive to do so, however let’s hope for the best as we work as a team to build a better Zimbabwe.”
 Kernen City and Masvingo City’s twinning program started in 1982 and has grown from strength to strength as the delegation expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Zimbabwe’s development.
The Kernen Association is currently working on completing the Kernen Park project at Mucheke bridge near Craft Centre, which includes drilling boreholes to provide adequate water for the park’s flora and fauna.
Chairperson of Kernen- Masvingo Society Pascal Mudzikisi acknowledged the association’s past contributions, including the donation of two ambulances, construction of Runyararo Clinic, upgrades at Alpha Cottages, construction of the dining room at Mucheke Old People’s Home and has also sponsored 140 students at Bondolfi Teachers College.
