Online Reporter
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
Masvingo City Council has conferred Alderman status on four long-serving councillors, two current and two former, in recognition of their more than 10 years of service to the city.
The honour was bestowed during a ceremony held on Friday at the Town Hall at the Civic Centre.
Current Ward 7 councillor, Clr Richard Musekiwa and his Ward 5 counterpart, Clr Daniel Mberikunashe, together with former councillors – Clr Against Chiteme and Clr Babylon Beta, received Aldermanic scrolls and caskets bearing the Aldermanic badge in acknowledgement of their contributions to the city over the years.
All four qualified for the honour after serving the municipality for over 10 years.
Former councillors, Clr Chiteme and Clr Beta, represented Wards 8 and 9 respectively for more than a decade before losing their seats in the 2023 harmonised elections, while Clrs Mberikunashe and Musekiwa continue to serve their wards in the current council.
The ceremony was led by Masvingo Mayor, Clr Alec Tabe and Town Clerk Engineer, Edward Mukaratirwa, who read out the council resolution conferring Alderman status on the four recipients before presenting the insignia.
In their acceptance speeches, the newly honoured Aldermen pledged to continue supporting the development and growth of Masvingo City, expressing their commitment to helping transform it into a world-class urban centre.
Clr Chiteme served under the Zanu PF ticket, while the other three Aldermen were first elected under the MDC, later serving under MDC-T and subsequently Citizens Coalition for Change before their elevation.
