Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
THE economic emancipation of women in the political sphere is key in the Second Republic’s development agenda, Zanu-PF National Women’s League Secretary for Tourism, Cde Spiwe Mapfuwa has said.
She was speaking during a meeting to celebrate the election of Cde Lethukuthula Ngwenya as councillor for Simangani Ward (Ward 10) in Hwange district last week.
Cde Ngwenya won by 685 votes against CCC’s Richard Nyoni who got 564 in the August 23-24 harmonised elections. She is the only elected female councillor on the Zanu PF ticket in Hwange Rural District Council which is made up of 20 wards.
The ruling party appointed Cde Caroline Siankope under proportional representation.
Cde Mapfuwa said women play an important role in the country’s development.
“The election of Cde Lethukuthula Ngwenya is a testament to how women can play a major role in shaping the development agenda in the country. When we elect women into political spaces we are also ensuring that development starts at the grassroots level,” she said.
“Women bear the brunt of responsibilities such as taking care of the family which puts them in a critical position of contributing towards development. When empowered particularly in political spaces, a woman plans with the future in mind.”
Cde Mapfuwa said there is a need for an increased participation of women in political spaces, arguing that women make up a majority of voters.
“As women, we need to rise as shown by Cde Ngwenya who received your support which we are grateful for. Going forward we need to work towards economic emancipation of women in this area and beyond,” she said.
“We want women to rise and start projects that will impact their communities. As a party, we will support initiatives that bring development and economic growth.”
While the number of women running for parliamentary and council seats has improved, a gender-based gap that limits women’s participation still exists resulting in their underrepresentation in political and leadership positions despite dominating the voter population.
Cde Mapfuwa said for Zanu-PF to win the council seat after 23 years under the opposition bears testimony that people have faith in President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“This win for the party is worth the celebrations which are historic in that the opposition had retained this ward for over 23 years. This also shows your faith in the leadership of our President. Let’s support our own as she strives to bring development in the ward,” she said.
Speaking during the same event, Cde Ngwenya pledged to uplift the lives of the people in her ward and address the issue of water challenges.
“Now that I’m your councillor, I’m not only representing my party, Zanu-PF, but everyone in our community. For 23 years, there has not been much development, but that is set to change,” she said.
“Zanu-PF is for development and I’m going to work towards ensuring that issues such as access to water and road network are addressed.”
Cde Ngwenya called on other key stakeholders in the tourism and mining sector to partner with communities in addressing some of the challenges facing the local community such as food insecurity through investing in solarised irrigation schemes.
The ward, which covers over 10 villages, is sparsely spread in rugged terrain along the Zambezi River. People in areas such as Kandebwe lack access to clean water and they are forced to share the same water source with wild animals.
Zanu-PF’s Hwange District Coordination Committee vice chairperson, Cde Wisdom Bushe Neshavi urged stakeholders to work with the ruling party in its development agenda as envisioned by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Online Reporter