Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
CHIEF Tshitaudze of Beitbridge has called for strong collaboration between traditional leaders and councillors, saying unity at ward level is key to addressing long-standing development challenges in the district.
The traditional leader made the remarks on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Ward 14 councillor, Clr Thamson Lamula Ndou, under the Beitbridge Rural District Council.
Chief Tshitaudze said meaningful development and improved service delivery would only be achieved if councillors worked hand-in-hand with traditional leaders and actively engaged communities.
“I congratulate Clr Ndou on his election. Councillors must work closely with traditional leaders and the community to identify and address issues affecting our people,” he said.
“Our wards face many challenges, and these can only be resolved if we collaborate with one vision.
Continuous engagement between traditional leaders, councillors and development partners is critical in building synergies and resolving issues as they arise.”
Clr Ndou, a farmer based in Mazunga, was elected unopposed following the death of Ward 14 councillor Milton Ndou in December last year.
Chief Tshitaudze also urged the new councillor to remain accessible and responsive to residents, noting that wards across Beitbridge District continue to grapple with challenges related to infrastructure development, water and sanitation.
He said ward-level engagement remained the cornerstone of effective local governance, serving as the vital link between residents, traditional leaders and local authorities in promoting accountability and sustainable development.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member and former Beitbridge West legislator, Cde Metrine Mudau, who witnessed the swearing-in, echoed the call for co-operation, urging councillors to prioritise people-centred leadership.
“You must remain servants of the people, leave no one behind and address issues affecting your ward, the district and the local authority so that Vision 2030 becomes a living reality,” she said.
