Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
THE Gwanda Municipality and Gwanda Rural District Council (RDC) junior councils have elected their leadership for the year, with female councillors taking up most of the key positions.
Executive members for both local authorities’ junior councils were elected, while committee members are set to be chosen during the first junior council meetings.
Under Gwanda Municipality, the mayor, deputy mayor, town clerk, and chamber secretary were elected. Nicole Purazeni from Gwanda High School was selected as mayor, with Thelma Moyo, also from Gwanda High, as her deputy.
Henlyn Mnkandla from Gwanda Government School was elected town clerk, while Nkosizile Ncube from Gwanda High will serve as chamber secretary.
For the rural council, the council chairperson, vice-chairperson, and chief executive officer were elected.
Nonhlanhla Nyathi, a learner from Lushongwe Secondary School, was chosen as council chairperson, with Fortune Nyathi from Mandihingola Secondary as her vice. Bianca Benzi from Mabheka Secondary was elected chief executive officer.
The junior councillors underwent a two-day induction programme, designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for effective service. Gwanda Municipality has 12 junior councillors, while Gwanda RDC has 24.
During the induction, topics covered included leadership qualities, skills and morals, roles of council departments, the mandate of the junior council, grooming and etiquette, the junior councillors’ code of conduct, and proper conduct during council meetings.
Other subjects addressed included drug and substance abuse, sexual and reproductive health, HIV, gender-based violence, and the use of technology.
The programme aimed to help junior councillors understand the concept of local authorities—their mandate, responsibilities, and operations.
It also sought to equip them with the knowledge to understand their roles as young leaders, the challenges facing youth, and the state of children’s affairs in Zimbabwe and beyond.
@DubeMatutu
