With the aim of poverty alleviation the Catholic Development Commission was formed in 1972 under Gweru diocese. In 1999 the Masvingo Diocese Commission became independent of Gweru Diocese.

It started to provide food rationing to three wards, Mwenezi, Beitbridge and Chibi. There were only six workers then amongst them the Coordinator, Secretary and field workers.

Two years later the Commission expanded its services to include:

·  Communication for social change

·  Behavioral change of teenagers

·  Wills and inheritance.

Its staff also increased to 48.

Following the 2001 October Strategic Planning Workshop, the Commission expanded its wings to offer:-

·  Small Economic Activities Development known as SEAD. Through workshops the Commission managed to open the mind of many into starting their own small income generating projects.

·  Sustainable Agriculture, which was aimed at giving people in the Diocese knowledge about good farming activities.

·  Though it was a difficult thing to do, the Commission launched an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

·  Gender & Development Education

To complement their HIV/AIDS campaign CADEC committed itself to assist the orphan especially those orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. This move stirred up the spirit of the Swedish Development Association to fund this project. By mid-2002 more than 1182 orphans benefited from this programme.

2005 became another year as we saw 5 computers and furniture being donated by the Swedish Development Assoc, a Toyota and a Ranger from Carford and the Swedish Embassy respectively.

The Swedish Development Assoc later added 8 motorbikes and an Isuzu for the field workers.

The Commission team is committed in making difference in people’s livelihood through facilitating development processes and appropriate training that lead to physical, social, spiritual and economic self sustenance.

The CADEC chairman, Fr. Zandonda says challenges are that sometimes there is no funding and there are no funds for self-development as a Commission. He pointed out that if funds are available, livestock production and leasing of accommodation will be very good projects to start off with.

Water & Sanitation is also one programme to be introduced provided funds permit.