Chronicle Editor
Amanda Mlevu, Sunday News Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO Rural District Council is in the process of appointing a local board that is expected to drive its development into a town following the granting of town status by the Government early this year.
The Rural District Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Nkululeko Sibanda told Sunday News in an interview that they were in the process of appointing a board that would facilitate the running of affairs as it transits into a town.
“We have since advertised for the local board administrator and a bookkeeper. We are currently in the process of appointing a board that will facilitate the smooth running of affairs going forward,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said they were progressing well in their plans, adding that they were doing everything to open the district to investors by presenting the investment opportunities that were available at various economic fora and to the diaspora community.
“Remember we were granted town status at the end of March this year and each stage is of importance to us. Currently we are in the process of appointing a board. We are laying the foundation to ensure that our council is upgraded and to push for development and growth in the community,” said Mr Sibanda.
He said the town status came at a time when Tsholotsho was receiving a number of investments from the diaspora which had enabled it to grow in terms of social services, population and economic activities. Mr Sibanda further noted that they were making efforts to draw investors by taking part in exhibitions such as the just-ended Sangani/Hlanganani Expo that was held in Bulawayo.
“To draw more investors in Tsholotsho we exhibited at Sanganai/Hlanganani and I am sure we will get positive feedback. We have a lot of diasporans who have also shown an appetite of investing back home and we will tap into them and present what we have,” he said.
He added that they were also going to take advantage of opportunities presented by the Zimbabwe Consulate in South Africa which he said was planning to host a diaspora investment conference that sought to lure investors to the region and unlock its potential.
The Government has urged the district to utilise its rich natural resources such as timber and wildlife to spur economic growth and development and Mr Sibanda said they were tapping into those areas with the hope that such investment plans would propel them to the next level. He said they have safari operators that have contracts with the council and they were going to look into a broader perspective and see how they could invest more into animals.
Bongani Ndlovu