Midweek Reporter
Masvingo –The City of Masvingo has conferred Alderman status on four councillors in recognition of their more than 10 years of service to the local authority.
Two of the beneficiaries, Alderman Richard Musekiwa and Alderman Daniel Mberikunashe are sitting councillors, while Alderman Babylon Beta and Alderman Against Chiteme are no longer at the town house.
The conferment was held at Town Hall Civic Centre last week on Friday at colourful ceremony.
Alderman Musekiwa is a businessman who joined Council in 2013 and is currently the chairperson of the Public Works and Planning Committee, a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and a member of the Masvingo Publicity Association Board.
Alderman Mberikunashe an artisan welder by profession and is the current Deputy Mayor since 2023. He was first elected into Council in 2013 and served Council in various committees including Chairman of the Public Works and Planning Committee, Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is currently a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and Health Housing and Environmental Service Committee and Publicity Association Board member.
Alderman Beta is a prominent insurance broker with several years of experience in the industry.
Alderman Beta is also the Chairman of Zimbabwe Commercial Employers Association.
Alderman Beta was elected councillor in 2013 and served in various capacities including Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, Chairperson of the Works Council, Chairperson of the Masvingo Municipal Medical Aid Board, Vice Chairperson of the Human Resources and Gender Committee and member of the Public Works and Planning Committee. He left council in 2023.
Alderman Chiteme worked in the private sector as an accountant and is now into business with interests in the retail and real estate sectors.
Alderman Chiteme was first elected into council in 2013 and served as Chairperson of the Audit Committee, member of the Health Housing and Environmental Services Committee. Alderman Chiteme was also a member of the Masvingo Agriculture Show Society committee.
Alderman Chiteme in his acceptance speech said it is a great honour for to celebrate such a milestone achievement in his lifetime.
‘’I thank God for this day for allowing me to celebrate this achievement. First of all l would like to thank my wife and family who have stood with me to this very day. I want to thank my dear wife for the long hours and days she spent with the children whilst I was away serving the people of Masvingo during the period 2013 to 2023 as a Councillor. I will still continue to serve the community today as a businessmen and religious leader.
‘’Your Worship , I’m so grateful to your Council for your decision to recognize our dedication and public service to the City of Masvingo and residents when I served as a Councillor by elevating me to the dignity of Alderman. I am confident that you will continue to steer your Council to deliver high quality services to the residents of Masvingo.
Let me reassure Your Worship that as an Alderman, I will always be ready to play my part as a resident to make Masvingo a great City, ‘’ said Alderman Chiteme.
“It is a symbol and celebration of my commitment to public service and community development when I served as a councillor with fellow councillors during my term of office. Allow me to thank my family and most importantly my wife who has supported me through the journey leading to this day. Without her tolerance, dedication and love, this dream would not have been realized. I wish to thank the residents of Masvingo who allowed me to serve them during my term of office,” said Alderman Beta.
