Historic Moment: Masvingo city elects first female mayor
In a significant milestone for Masvingo City, Councillor Shantel Chiwara has become the city’s first female mayor. The esteemed position will see her lead the oldest town in the country.
With 11 votes in her favour, Clr Chiwara, a professional banker and member of CCC, secured the mayoral position, surpassing the two votes received by Zanu PF’s women’s quota Councillor Sharon Marombedze.
Acknowledging the outcome, Masvingo District Development Coordinator Mr. Roy Hove officially declared Clr Chiwara, representing Ward 2, as the newly elected mayoress of Masvingo.
Additionally, Ward 5 Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe, a respected figure with extensive experience, was elected as the deputy mayor. He received 9 votes, surpassing Zanu PF’s Ward 10 Councillor Sengerai Manyanga, who garnered 2 votes. Two votes were deemed spoilt during the process.
The newly appointed mayoress assumes the role previously held by former Ward Councillor Collen Maboke, who assumed office in 2018 on an MDC Alliance ticket.
This groundbreaking moment marks a significant step forward for gender representation in local leadership and underscores the progress made towards empowering women in positions of authority. The election of Masvingo City’s first female mayor paves the way for increased diversity and inclusivity within the city’s governance.
