By Bigboy Madzivanzira
The Mother Club of Lionism in Zimbabwe is on the rise again.
Harare City Lions Club hosted District and Zone leadership at the Den on Saturday, September 13, 2026, for a membership boost and strategic planning meeting.
History and sacrifice
Opening the meeting, President Lion Peter Diel gave a history of Lionism in Zimbabwe and reminded members that Harare City Lions Club is the Mother Club.
He paid tribute to long-serving member Dr Lion Cathy Muchechetere. Members said that, with a strong commitment to service, Dr Lion Cathy uses her own money to pay membership subscriptions for other members to help keep the club running.
Leadership and finance
Zone Chair Lion Dorcus Chamatunhi delivered a practical leadership talk.
“Service activity first, then the role. Leadership develops people with integrity,” she said.
A leadership development module will be forwarded to the club.
PDG Lion Clever Mugadza briefed the meeting on the club’s financial position. The club owes US$100 to Lions Clubs International (LCI) and US$600 in District dues following a slash in the outstanding amount.
With only four active members carrying the workload, he urged the club to intensify recruitment.
District 412 currently has 42 clubs, including 16 in Botswana.
PDG Lion Clever also advised the club to make use of the Lions newsletter and District platforms. The Zone Chair will ensure Harare City Lions Club is added to the platforms.
Service despite challenges
Lion Mary Jane presented the service report, highlighting the club’s continued community work despite its low membership.
Harare City Lions Club has made donations to MOTH Cottages, Athlo Evans Home and Fairways Home. An appreciation letter from MOTH Cottages for grocery donations was also read at the meeting.
Secretary Lion Bigboy Madzivanzira highlighted the club’s impact in supporting people with disabilities.
A victim of a crocodile attack in Mhangura received an artificial limb after Harare City Lions Club members contributed funds, while a victim of a hyena attack in Zaka received prosthetic hands made by Lion Bigboy.
Membership growth
The meeting also noted that membership growth has already begun, with the following new and prospective members joining Harare City Lions Club:
- PDG Lion Clever Mugadza
- Lion Shadreck Mahwande, a former Karoi Lion
- Prospective Lion Mark from MOTH Cottages
- Prospective Lion King Tawanda, awaiting induction
- Prospective Lion Andy Yasini
Capacity and visibility
Lion Bigboy also outlined how his professional roles could strengthen Lions service delivery in Zimbabwe.
He serves as a Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner, CAN CBR Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative and an accredited freelance journalist with the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
“These roles can improve service delivery for Lions in Zimbabwe and ensure our activities are documented and shared,” he said.
Resolutions
The club resolved to conduct membership drives, increase its visibility and undertake club visits, including visits to The Blacks.
The meeting also witnessed the induction of Valentine Mushayakarara into Harare West Lions Club at the Harare City Den.
Closing the meeting, members expressed gratitude for the support received from the District leadership.
“We now feel we are part of a big family of Lions Clubs International,” said Lion Bigboy Madzivanzira, Secretary of Harare City Lions Club.
About the author
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a multi-faceted Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe and a Health Promotion Practitioner registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe.
He is also a freelance journalist accredited by the Zimbabwe Media Commission.
Bigboy is the Founder and Director of Health Promotion Clinic Trust and serves as the CAN (CBR) Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative.
He is Secretary of Harare City Lions Club.
Contact: 0773 367 913 | healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com