New Beitbridge Rural District Council councillor sworn in

CDE Thamson Lamula Ndou of Zanu-PF, who was recently elected unopposed as councillor for Ward 14 under the Beitbridge Rural District Council (BBRDC), was yesterday sworn into office.

Clr Ndou, a farmer from Mazunga in Beitbridge District, was declared duly elected as he was the only candidate who filed his nomination papers when the nomination court sat at the Beitbridge RDC offices last month.

The Ward 14 seat fell vacant in December last year following the death of Councillor, Milton Ndou.
Clr Ndou had earlier emerged victorious in the Zanu-PF primary elections held in the ward, paving the way for his automatic election as councillor.

Beitbridge RDC chief executive officer, Mrs Kiliboni Mbedzi, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony, said the process was conducted in line with local Government legislation and related statutes.

“The council has also recommended that Councillor Ndou joins the social development and community services committee, as well as the natural resources conservation and tourism committee where the late Councillor Milton Ndou was also a member,” said Mrs Mbedzi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Beitbridge RDC chairperson, Clr Oscar Chiromo, urged the newly sworn-in councillor to prioritise community engagement and consultation to drive sustainable development in his ward.

“We welcome you and congratulate you. Now is the time to work. You need to value the input of the community, traditional leaders, development partners and other stakeholders for you to succeed during your tenure,” said Clr Chiromo.

Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Cde Metrine Mudau, who witnessed the ceremony, encouraged Clr Ndou to embrace teamwork and servant leadership in line with the country’s development aspirations.

“You must remain a servant of the people, leave no one behind and address issues affecting your ward, the district and the local authority as a whole,” she said.

In an interview after the ceremony, Cde Ndou said he was committed to inclusive leadership and community consultation.

“I will continue with the infrastructure projects started by my predecessor, including the rehabilitation of roads and bridges, as well as the construction of a secondary school to cater for children in this largely resettlement area,” he said.