adminLuthando Mapepa
CHIPINGE Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr James Mundoma, has retired from the local authority after serving it with distinction for 14 years.
Mr Mundoma leaves an indelible mark in local governance, while at the same time boasting of many accolades to his credit during his 14-year tenure at the helm of Chipinge RDC.
He joined Chipinge RDC in 2001.
Among the accolades he received during his stint at Chipinge RDC was being named Institute of Management manager of the year first runner-up in 2011.
In 2005, Chipinge RDC was ranked among of the top five councils in Zimbabwe in terms of good service delivery.
Chipinge RDC is ranked third in good road network in Zimbabwe by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
Mr Mundoma again played a critical role in making the historic Chisumbanje Ethanol Plant a success.
Last Friday, Chipinge RDC hosted a farewell party which was attended by the who is who of Chipinge and beyond at a colourful ceremony at Tanganda Tea Company’s New Year’s Gift Training Centre.
Speaker after speaker described Mr Mundoma as an unflappable leader per excellence and congratulated him for leaving office in a dignified way.
He was also described as a man who stuck to ethics of good governance during his tenure of office.
Representing CRDC employees, Mr Dhliwayo described Mr Mundoma as the Mandela of Chipinge.
Mr Dhliwayo said he was a good leader, humble and considerate, who always wanted to see all employees aiming higher.
“Mr Mundoma was a father figure to us because he could take time to listen and attend to our personal problems.
“Our CEO has gone a little too early, as workers we hope that the incoming CEO will be like him.
“He had groomed us and he always encouraged us to further our education.
“Most of workers at CRDC are now holders’ of first and masters’ degrees,” said Mr Dhliwayo.
RDCs CEOs Forum chairman, Mr Albert Mbedzi, hailed Mr Mundoma for the unwavering role he played in separating Chipinge RDC and Chipinge Town Council.
Mr Mbedzi said Chipinge would always remember and cherish Mr Mundoma’s dedication to duty which helped Chipinge attain town status.
“Mr Mundoma made history in Chipinge because he led a team which separated Chipinge rural and town.
I am happy that he reached this far in good relation with the community of Zimbabwe and this is a lesson to other leaders,” he said.
Chairperson of CEOs Forum Manicaland chapter, Mr Zephaniah Jarawaza, said Mr Mundoma would always be cherished because he excelled in satisfying various publics in local authority.
“He was a principled man who did his job in service delivery very well. We just want to congratulate him for achieving his journey because working for a local authority is a difficult job,” he added. Chipinge District Administrator, Mr Edgars Seenza, said Mr Mundoma would remain their consultant in every development aspect in Chipinge.
“Mr Mundoma works will never be deleted in our memory because he made history in Chipinge.
“We can run out of superlatives to describe him.
“He improved the road network in Chipinge by making every part of the district accessible,” said Mr Seenza.
Online Reporter