Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]
Tsholotsho Zanu-PF Newly elected Zanu-PF leaders in Tsholotsho’s Ward 11 have embarked on a learning tour of major infrastructure projects in Harare, seeking practical ideas to inform development initiatives in their rural community as the district moves towards urbanisation.
The delegation, comprising members of the party’s main wing, women’s league and youth league, toured the New Parliament Building at Mount Hampden, the Geo Pomona waste management facility and the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
The visit sought to familiarise the new leadership with major national development projects and explore practical approaches that could be adapted to improve infrastructure development and service delivery in Tsholotsho District.
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha at the party’s headquarters in Harare.
Youth league member Cde Hillary Mafu said the tour offered young leaders from a remote district an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to major developments taking place in the country’s urban centres.
“Exposure is key for young leaders like myself, seeing that I come from a remote district such as Tsholotsho. I have limited access to major projects and developments that are happening in our country, especially the big cities such as Bulawayo and Harare,” he said.
Cde Mafu said the delegation was particularly interested in understanding how major infrastructure and public service projects were implemented, with a view to identifying lessons that could be adapted to benefit their community.
Secretary for administration in the women’s league, Cde Sibongile Zimba, said the initiative was also intended to equip the newly elected leadership with ideas on addressing local development challenges.
“For years, Tsholotsho Ward 11 did not have ruling party structures but now that a local leadership was elected, we took it upon ourselves to embark on a learning trip to the capital city to see first-hand the projects that are being implemented by our Government so that we can replicate some of the projects such as proper waste management models,” she said.
Cde Zimba said the lessons were particularly relevant following the awarding of town status to Tsholotsho Rural District Council, which has created a need for local leaders to understand urban development approaches and effective service delivery systems.
“We believe that a leadership that is inspired by the good work of its national leaders will work efficiently to improve the welfare of the people of Tsholotsho Ward 11,” she said.
Ward 11 chairman Cde Shingai Mudyawabika said the new leadership, which has been in office for less than four months, was determined to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence and improve the welfare of residents.
He said the leadership intended to use the coming years to consolidate party structures and mobilise support ahead of the 2030 elections.
“Ward 11 in Tsholotsho has been in the hands of the opposition for too long. Our mission as the ruling party leadership is to show the people in that area that Zanu-PF is the only party that can turn their aspirations into reality,” said Cde Mudyawabika.
He said the delegation’s engagement with the party’s national leadership was also intended to obtain guidance on grassroots mobilisation and effective community leadership.
Cde Mudyawabika said Cde Machacha had commended the local leadership for its initiative and provided guidance on its responsibilities towards the community.
