Online ReporterMthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Writer
RESIDENTS of Ward 3 in Bulawayo have honoured their councillor, Mxolisi Mahlangu, with various gifts and tokens of appreciation in recognition of what they described as consistent service delivery, transparency and people-centred leadership.
The gesture comes at a time when local authorities across the country, including the City of Bulawayo, continue to grapple with ageing infrastructure, water shortages, poor road infrastructure and constrained finances, making effective grassroots leadership increasingly critical.
In an interview, Clr Mahlangu expressed gratitude to residents, saying the recognition reaffirmed the importance of servant leadership and accountability.
“Councillors are representatives of the people. We are messengers of our residents and must listen to their concerns, take them to council and return with responses and, where possible, solutions,” he said.
Clr Mahlangu said there is a growing need for local authorities to review existing by-laws to ensure they remain responsive to modern urban challenges and support economic recovery.
“We must look at our by-laws and see how they can support re-industrialisation and economic activities, especially considering that many industries have collapsed. Above all, we must practice servant leadership and work with residents,” he said.
Clr Mahlangu’s work has previously received recognition beyond Ward 3. Last year, he was named the winner of the 2025 Customer Experience Association of Zimbabwe (CEAZ) Award for advocating for the establishment of a Customer Advocacy Council within local Government structures.
“I was chosen by residents through a vote, not only from my ward but across Bulawayo. A survey was conducted throughout the city following my contributions in full council,” said Clr Mahlangu.
He was also named among the Top 100 Influential People in Midlands and Matabeleland, an accolade he attributed to his consistent advocacy for residents’ rights and community development.
Residents in Parklands, Khumalo, Mahatshula and surrounding suburbs said it was important to acknowledge Clr Mahlangu’s efforts, particularly in infrastructure maintenance and communication.
“Among other things, I have pushed for the grading and levelling of roads across the ward. Despite financial constraints, I have ensured roads remain trafficable and that residents’ challenges, such as water shortages and access issues, are addressed,” he said.
Bulawayo has faced recurring road deterioration due to ageing drainage systems and seasonal rains, while water supply challenges have required constant communication between the council and residents.
Clr Mahlangu said he prioritised keeping residents informed ahead of service disruptions.
“I do not wait for residents to ask. I provide updates in advance, whether it is good news or bad news. If services fail to come as planned, I communicate and quickly address the challenges,” he said.
Clr Mahlangu said this approach had strengthened trust, creating a two-way communication channel through community meetings and WhatsApp platforms.
“There is bidirectional communication between the councillor and residents, and that is what they appreciate. I also received written acknowledgement from residents in Parklands appreciating these efforts,” he said.
Among notable achievements in Ward 3 are the restoration of street lighting in Khumalo and large parts of Parklands, which improves nighttime safety and visibility.
Clr Mahlangu said several projects have been lined up, including completing street lighting across the ward using water retention funds.
“Crime thrives in darkness. We want all communities in Ward 3 to be well-lit,” he said.
Clr Mahlangu said plans are also underway to construct a police post in Mahatshula, with a local businessman already pledging building materials.
Other planned projects include rehabilitation of Mahatshula Shopping Centre, road works along Murchison Road in Killarney, drainage construction to prevent road damage and further road grading in Woodville.
Two bridges linking Mahatshula to Queens Park East and Woodville North are also earmarked to improve access for residents and schoolchildren during the rainy season.
Clr Mahlangu said the council is also addressing urban order through the removal of illegal vending sites, clearing overgrown bushes that pose security risks and planning proper vending structures.
“If we build proper structures and even collect a dollar a day from each vendor, it becomes a sustainable revenue stream for the council while restoring dignity to vendors.
“My focus remains on improving service delivery and restoring dignity across communities in Ward 3,” he said.
