07/10/2026
My Official Statement, following the declaration of a State of Disaster in Masvingo Province by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, following the devastating hailstorm of 5 October 2026
Fellow Citizens,
Media Fraternity,
• It is with a sense of deep concern and regard for human life, protection of private property and national vital infrastructure that I address the province following the severe and devastating Hailstorm that affected our city and rural communities along with setbacks experienced in the agriculture sector and the broader economy of our Masvingo.
• The rare occasion of the Hailstorm ever to be experienced in the city and in particular Masvingo District, has left a trail of damage to residential properties, business premises, our vital infrastructure and in farms.
• Interim reports by our Civil Protection Unit, indicate that houses in our residential areas of Mucheke, Rujeko, Manjenge, Target Kopje and Sisk in Masvingo District, parts of Chivi, Gutu and Bikita District among others have endured severe damages. Vehicles and solar infrastructure have been affected.
• Families, including students who are attending lessons and preparing for their final year examinations have not been spared.
• With regards to the agriculture sector, horticulture produce and winter wheat which was ready for harvesting was destroyed.
• Our roads and social services infrastructure, including clinics and schools, were damaged by the Hailstorm.
• This development is an indication that climate change is a reality. We must as communities remain vigilant and build our resilience and adaptive capacities.
• I want to commend the people of Masvingo Province in the manner we have reacted to this unfortunate occurrence. We have shown that with unity and greater determination we can overcome any challenge.
• I commend Government Ministries, our security sector and Masvingo City Council as well as other stakeholders for the response and interventions so far put in place.
• I am pleased to announce that His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF has already declared this occurrence a National Disaster.
• The government of Zimbabwe under the able leadership of His Excellency the President and other well wishers are already mobilizing building materials, food, medicines among other critical resources for the affected households.
• This will surely go a long way towards restoring hope for our communities, in particular the vulnerable.
• The Second Republic under His Excellency, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa will continue to stand with families and individuals affected by this Hailstorm.
• Let us continue to be alert and take heed of the weather information given by experts.
• I call upon our MDAs and private sector stakeholders to continue working together towards ensuring that the welfare, dignity and integrity of our people as enunciated by His Excellency the President.
• At the community level, we have been each other's keeper and first responders. We have shown that with unity.
• Teams from the Provincial, District and Ward Civil Protection committees who are working flat out assessing, registering and assisting the affected households and institutions to ensure that the situation returns to normalcy. Please cooperate with our experts on the ground who are assessing the extent of the damages.
• For assistance please call on the Chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit
Mr Madziva 0779 104 757,
Ms Chikugu 0773 250 221
Mandishona Housing Director 0772 749 260
Mr Shonhai Chamber Secretary 0772 360 208
• I thank you.
