IVAYINERUDO MAGARAZANO
CHIREDZI- During its first Council meeting after the 2023 harmonised elections, Chiredzi Rural District Council shifted from the tradition of electing only males into positions of influence and included women as well.
The 42 councillors all settled for a female candidate, Memory Marota who was voted the Deputy Chairperson for the local authority.
This is the first time to have a female candidate occupying the top Council post since the seperation of the Councils.
Marota beat Leornad Makondo with 23 votes against 19. Makondo went into the election for another round after he contested the Chairman’s position and was walloped by Aspect Mashingaidze who got 25 against his 17 votes.
Marota is not the only woman to land a leading role in the Council after Eustina Magocha was voted to lead the Environmental Committee.
The elections were held just after the return of Councillors from their two days induction in Masvingo last week.
Mashingaidze Aspect of Ward 32 became the Chairperson after beating Leo by 25 votes against 17 votes.
Waini Marufu was voted the new Chairperson of the Finance Committee after beating Martin Marufu.
Alfred Mazombwe locked horns with Lovemore Muchono(CCC) for the Community Services Committee. Mazombwe came victorious with 27 votes while Muchono got 17.
Another CCC Councillor for Ward 6 Happius Chikutu tried his lucky in the Zanu pf dominated Council but was beaten by Luke Dovi by 24 votes against 7 for the EMA committee chairmanship. Muchaladzi got 13 votes.
The Technical Services Committee will be led by Robson Mashulani who got 27 votes against 14 votes for Simba Negavi (CCC) who pulled 14 votes. Bere Golden was uncontested for the Audit Committee position.
Newly elected Vice-chairperson Memory Marota expressed her gratitude regarding her victory.
She also said that it has been made easier for women’s issues to be articulated and tackled now that they are well represented.
Marota also paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for giving 30% women’s quota thereby maximizing their involvement in local governance issues.
” l am very happy with the outcome of the elections, and i will make sure that women’s issues are addressed, l would like to thank President E.D Mnangagwa for including 30% women’s Quota in the Council” said Marota.
