By Godfrey Gusha
MIDDLESBROUGH, UK – His Worship the Mayor of Masvingo, Councillor Aleck Tabe, led a high-powered delegation on an official visit to Middlesbrough, the city’s long-standing twinning partner in the United Kingdom.
The delegation included Town Clerk Eng. Edward Mukaratirwa, Director of Health Services Ms. Suzanne Hazel Madamombe, and Mr. David Maurikira from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as urban governance, environmental management, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development.
During their stay, the delegation paid a courtesy call to Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UK, Colonel (Rtd) Christian Katsande. They also met Middlesbrough City Council representatives, Councillor John Kabuye (Labour, Newport Ward) and Councillor Janet Thompson (Labour, Ayresome Ward), accompanied by Middlesbrough City Alliance coordinators.
Mayor Tabe and his team toured key municipal facilities, engaged with civic leaders, and held interactive sessions with members of the Zimbabwean diaspora community in Middlesbrough. Discussions focused on sharing best practices and exploring opportunities in education, culture, and local economic development.
Expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality, Mayor Tabe underscored the importance of international partnerships in enhancing service delivery and promoting sustainable development.
“Our collaboration with Middlesbrough is a living example of how twinning arrangements can create lasting bonds and tangible benefits for our communities,” he said.
The visit also coincided with a special acknowledgment from Buckingham Palace. In a letter, The Lord Steward and Personal Secretary to The King conveyed His Majesty’s heartfelt appreciation for a beautifully crafted chessboard presented by the City of Masvingo. The letter highlighted the historic connections dating back to royal visits in 1953 and 1991, and commended the enduring spirit of friendship now reflected in the Masvingo–Middlesbrough partnership.
Both cities reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation under the twinning agreement, ensuring that cultural ties and developmental collaborations continue to flourish.
