Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Tafadzwa Chikoto made history when he was elected the first black mayor of Corby Town Council in the United Kingdom three years ago.
Cllr Chikoto, known to many as Taffy, served as deputy mayor in 2021, becoming Corby’s first ever black deputy mayor in the process.
After being elected he said:
“I feel native to Corby. Having lived here now for as long as I have, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s an honour being elected mayor in a foreign land and it’s a huge honour being able to represent the community.
“It means a lot being elected as the first ever black mayor in Corby.
“People are moving on and times are changing, which is great. It’s exciting for the community. Everyone can feel included, this is not just for me.”
In 2021, Cllr Chikoto served as a deputy mayor after taking over from Cllr Lawrence Ferguson, who was the mayor the previous year.
Corby deputy major Cllr Buckingham said:
“It’s an amazing year for diversity. I’m also really excited for Taffy. I respect him a lot, he’s really passionate about youth and community – something we both have in common.”
Cllr Chikoto had lived in Corby for 17 years when he became Mayor.
He had served on the town council for a year, and in that year he was elected deputy mayor.
Cllr Chikoto said he became interested in politics because he wanted to help young people.
He said he was passionate about empowering young children from underprivileged backgrounds.
“I want to give young people purpose and create opportunities for them,” said Cllr Chikoto.
His chosen charity is Lakelands Hospice, which provides palliative and end of life care, free of charge, for people in Corby and the surrounding villages.
Cllr Chikoto is passionate about helping people and he sees beyond colour.
“They do amazing work and I want to be able to do something great for them,” he said.
Commenting on the developments, one of the councillors in Corby, Cllr Mark Pengelly, said:
“Corby was built on immigrants so I’m really proud to have Taffy as our new mayor. I’ve known him for a few years and I know he’ll make Corby proud.”
During his campaign, he pitched himself as a “red collar mayor” who could relate to the city’s working class and work with the business sector, appealing to all in the budding town of Corby. − The Herald
Mathew Masinge