Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku, Zimpapers Writer
ON the sun-drenched, dusty streets of Bulawayo’s Matshobana suburb, few could have ever imagined that one of their own would eventually drape the heavy gold mayoral chain around her neck in a historic English town thousands of kilometres away. Yet, from these modest beginnings rose Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles — the first Black female mayor of Reading in Berkshire, United Kingdom — a woman whose life trajectory reads like a cinematic script of grit, grace, and quiet determination.
Growing up in a family anchored by discipline and a persistent sense of hope, she was born at Mpilo Central Hospital and raised in the heart of Matshobana, where her father served the National Railways of Zimbabwe. While their life was modest by material standards, it was extraordinarily rich in the values that would later define her.
“We were taught to believe in ourselves and to face challenges head-on. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my life,” she recalls.
These lessons of perseverance would prove to be more than just childhood advice; they became a lifeline. Born into a family of five children, Mpofu-Coles is now the sole surviving sibling, having navigated the intense grief of losing both her brothers and sisters, as well as her parents. In the wake of such loss, education became her sanctuary and her ultimate ladder out of adversity. She began her journey at Gampu Primary School before moving to Mzilikazi High School, where the seeds of her global ambitions first began to take root.
“A life must be anchored on values, principles and convictions. They become your compass when the road gets tough,” she reflects, her words echoing the wisdom of a woman who has weathered many storms.
Her professional odyssey began in the corridors of public service, starting in the records and filing department of the Ministry of Justice before transitioning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Harare — a pivotal move that flung open the doors to the world. Posted to Yugoslavia (now Serbia), she served with distinction as a diplomat for several years before eventually relocating to the United Kingdom, the place she now proudly calls home.
In the UK, she refused to slow down, instead choosing to radically reinvent herself both academically and professionally. She plunged into advanced studies, eventually earning a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Reading. Her research was deeply personal, focusing on the intricate layers of identity, migration, and the intergenerational dynamics of young Zimbabweans carving out lives in the British diaspora.
This academic work, rooted in the pursuit of inclusion and social justice, is a mirror held up to her own struggles and triumphs. As a cancer survivor, Mpofu-Coles worked intimately with the National Health Service (NHS) throughout her treatment, an experience that ignited a fierce commitment to advocating for the marginalised, the displaced, and the migrant.
“My research uses participatory approaches that value community knowledge and lived experiences. It’s about embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do,” she says.
Currently a community researcher associate and research fellow at the University of Reading, she is a central figure in shaping the institution’s race equality agenda.
Her impressive credentials also boast a Master’s degree in International Relations, specialising in diplomacy and conflict resolution, alongside advanced studies in forced migration at Oxford University’s prestigious International Summer School.
But the transition from a world of academia and activism to the mayor’s parlour was a natural evolution for a woman who has always carried a torch for her community.
“I’ve always been politically aware and naturally inclined towards activism. When my children grew up and I had more time, I decided to get more involved,” she says with a warm smile.
Her political rise was swift: she first contested and won a council seat, was later elected deputy mayor, and finally made history as the first Black woman to hold the highest civic office in Reading. Yet, she is quick to stress that the role transcends the fray of party politics.
“I serve everyone in our town because I am the mayor for everyone in Reading,” she insists.
Her tenure has become synonymous with compassion, marked by tireless charity work and a relentless drive to combat food poverty.
Even with her feet firmly planted in Berkshire, her heart remains tethered to the red soil of Zimbabwe. During a recent homecoming to Bulawayo, Mpofu-Coles met with the city’s mayor, Councillor David Coltart, to bridge the gap between their two homes. Their discussions explored a modern partnership — ranging from climate change research and business exchange programmes to the untapped potential of tourism.
“Bulawayo has so much potential. People in the UK are always fascinated when they see the jacaranda trees behind me on Zoom. It makes them curious about the city,” she notes.
These talks also focused on the vital goal of attracting UK investment and creating a platform for local entrepreneurs to flourish through shared knowledge and international partnerships.
Despite her towering global stature and the prestige of her office, Mpofu-Coles remains refreshingly grounded. She laughs off the common assumptions that she has traded her heritage for a life of high-society glamour.
“People think I eat fancy food, but I love sadza with amathumbu enkomo, umxhanxa and groundnuts. I still eat them in the UK,” she says with a chuckle.
Her parting message to the dreamers back home — especially women and the youth — is a potent blend of realism and inspiration.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. Work hard, be patient and never underestimate the power of networking. Sometimes one connection can change your entire life,” she says.
It is the perfect closing note for a woman who has proven that no matter how far you travel, the values of home are the only compass you truly need.
