By Sharon Chimenya
MASVINGO — In a show of commitment and compassion, Reverend Kersin Hemker of the Germany-Zimbabwe Association promised last month to return to Masvingo with a US$1,700 cash gift for the Mucheke Old People’s Home—a promise she fulfilled.
Reverend Hemker and her husband, Dr. Reignold Hemker, visited Masvingo at the end of last month along with Kernen-Masvingo Chairperson Christian Fleischer, where they toured several projects supported by the association.
The Kernen-Masvingo partnership is a 36-year twinning pact, while the city also enjoys a 40-year partnership with the Germany-Zimbabwe Association, where Dr. Reignold Hemker serves as President.
During their visit to the Old People’s Home, which has 11 residents—six males and five females—Rev. Hemker promised that in three weeks, she would return with friends to hand over US$1,700.
On Thursday, March 19, Rev. Hemker and her colleagues returned to Masvingo and handed over the promised US$1,700, as well as US$250 each to Alpha Cottages and Alfred Walter Hostels.
Speaking at a meeting held at the Masvingo City Council town hall, Rev. Hemker said that friendship is demonstrated when people work together and assist vulnerable groups.
She expressed hope that such generous efforts will continue even after she and her husband retire from the association.
“Associations like ours and the Kernen-Masvingo Association are organizations that work directly with the people. We are on the ground to identify needs and help those who require assistance. I believe that is what friendship means: being with people, working together—not for our own benefit, but for those who come after us and for those who are more in need than we are. That is truly our task, and that is what we are doing. It has been 42 years, and I am convinced that the Germany-Zimbabwe Society will continue even after my husband has retired,” she said.
“From the Germany-Zimbabwe Society to the Old People’s Home in Mucheke, we will contribute US$1,700. Additionally, the Germany-Zimbabwe Society and our group here will contribute to Alpha Cottages and Alfred Walter Hostels.”
Masvingo City Mayor Aleck Tabe commended the support extended to the local authority during the 40 years of its partnership with Germany.
The local authority has received support for the construction of the Runyararo Clinic, ambulances, medical equipment, and the expansion of Alpha Cottages and the Old People’s Home.
“Your visit is a clear testimony to the enduring friendship and cooperation that bind our two cities and countries. Over the years, this partnership has flourished through mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to sustainable development and improved service delivery. This twinning relationship has ushered in opportunities for social and cultural exchanges that have benefited the city,” he said.
“We are sincerely grateful for the Kernen-Masvingo Association’s assistance in mobilizing resources for the construction of Runyararo Clinic; the expansion of Alpha Cottages Orphanage and Mucheke Old People’s Home; microfinance for new businesses through Zambuko; state-of-the-art, fully equipped ambulances; medical equipment for council clinics, Morgenster Hospital, and Masvingo General Hospital; refuse compactors; a 5KV solar system and a 5,000-liter water tank for Runyararo Clinic; a CT scan; an oxygen concentrator during COVID-19; an autoclave machine for Mucheke Clinic; various assistance to Bondolfi and Ratidzo Institutions; the construction of Alfred Walter Hostel; and other developmental initiatives that have significantly enhanced service delivery.”
He reaffirmed the local authority’s commitment to deepening cooperation, strengthening people-to-people ties, and expanding opportunities for cultural exchange, investment, and shared learning.
