Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
MINISTER of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North Richard Moyo has commended his Bulawayo Metropolitan counterpart Cde Judith Ncube for her people-centred leadership and commitment to community development.
Speaking at a surprise birthday celebration for Minister Ncube in Bulawayo on Sunday, Minister Moyo said her record of service demonstrated that leadership was about transforming people’s lives and creating opportunities for communities.
He said Minister Ncube had distinguished herself through her work in women’s empowerment, community development, support for vulnerable groups, youth development and livelihoods.
“Your record of service in women’s empowerment, community development, support for vulnerable groups, youth development and livelihoods is particularly commendable,” said Minister Moyo.
“You have consistently demonstrated that leadership is not merely about holding a position; it is about touching lives and creating opportunities for others.”
Minister Moyo said Minister Ncube’s responsibilities went beyond coordinating Government programmes in Bulawayo, as she also had to bring together various ministries, departments and agencies, the private sector, communities and other stakeholders to drive development.
He said her ability to remain connected to the people she served was one of her greatest strengths.
“As the Minister responsible for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, you carry a significant responsibility.
“You are at the centre of coordinating Government programmes and development initiatives across the province, while bringing together different ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, communities and other stakeholders,” he said.
“This is not always an easy responsibility. It requires patience, courage, wisdom and, above all, a genuine understanding of the people you serve.”
Minister Moyo said the development of Bulawayo and Matabeleland North was interconnected, making cooperation between the two provinces critical in advancing the Government’s development agenda.
He pledged continued cooperation between the neighbouring provinces, saying their shared development interests required a collective approach.
“As colleagues serving in the two neighbouring provinces, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Metropolitan province, we recognise that the development of our regions is interconnected,” he said.
“We therefore value your leadership, your partnership and your commitment to ensuring that our people benefit from the Government’s development agenda.”
Minister Moyo also commended Minister Ncube for inspiring women and young people through her years of public and community service.
He said her experience could help guide younger generations and urged her to continue making a positive contribution to the country.
The surprise celebration was organised by the Patriotic Entrepreneurs League, a Zanu-PF affiliate focused on empowering entrepreneurs, in collaboration with veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda and Reverend Anglistone Sibanda.
The event was attended by Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Evelyn Ndlovu, Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Elifas Mashaba, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Albert Nguluvhe and other party officials.
In her vote of thanks, Minister Ncube expressed gratitude to the organisers, her family and all those who contributed to the surprise celebration.
She said her birthday wish was to see Bulawayo prosper through increased opportunities for young people, stronger communities and a thriving business sector.
“I want to thank the organisers, Patriotic Entrepreneurs, who worked with Ezra Tshisa Sibanda and Reverend Anglistone Sibanda, who came up with the idea of organising a surprise birthday party for me.
“I also want to thank my family for their unwavering support and everyone who took time to come and celebrate this special day with me,” she said.
“I am deeply grateful for the presents and the love that I received from everyone who attended.
“Your presence and generosity made the celebration even more special and will remain a cherished memory for me.
“My birthday wish is for Bulawayo to prosper, young people to find opportunities, communities to develop and businesses to prosper for the betterment of Bulawayo.”
