Kwekwe (New Ziana)–The City of Kwekwe wrote another piece of history on Thursday when it elected another female councillor, Future Titora as it’s Mayor.
Titora, Mbizo Ward 2 councillor (MDC- T), took the mayoral post, while MDC- A councilor Pupurai Msipa of Mbizo Ward 3, was elected deputy Mayor.
The elections were decided in a run-off as Titora faced stiff challenge from councilor Charles Juta of MDC- A while Msipa dealt with Joshua Tinago of MDC-T.
The elections were held to replace the recalled former Mayor Angeline Kasipo and her deputy Melody Chingarande.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mupungu presided over the elections which were conducted through secret ballot.
In the first round, there was no winner as both candidates garnered five votes each. Titora won the re-run, as she garnered six votes while Juta had four votes.
The new Mayor ,Titora presided over the deputy mayor’s elections where both candidates had five votes each and went for a run off which ushered in Msipa after winning (6-4).
Titora is serving her second term as councilor for MDC T.
In her acceptance speech, Titora promised to improve service delivery in the city.
“I am humbled and honoured to be here. I promise that I will not betray your trust. We were elected to spearhead development within the city while ratepayers look upon us to deliver quality service. As councilors we have to play an oversight role while the executive implement policies.
“I appeal to my fellow councilors to stop bickering in the chambers and refocus our energy on service delivery. Service should be our motto guided by Vision 2030 which is being spearheaded by our government,” said the Mayor.
Msipa, the new deputy Mayor, urged fellow councilors to put party differences aside.
“I thank you all for voting me as the Deputy Mayor. I will respect everyone as my fellow councilors and let us put our differences aside,” he said.
Mupungu said : “As you all exercised your right to vote and elected your preferred candidates, our communities have huge expectations from you and what you will deliver to them as Kwekwe city.
“Councilors and staff have a key role to play as the local authority drives the devolution agenda. Devolution has transferred power and authority from central government to local authorities. We can now make decisions as a local authority, it has given local authority a broader mandate as before you would, concentrate on service delivery only. Now you have added responsibilities through devolution.”
He added: “You are expected to bring in investors at Kwekwe city and grow the local GDP. Those are expectations from the central government.
“Development and investment can only come to a local authority that is well organised and united. Investment can not come to a local authority that is in disarray. Development can only take place in an environment where there is peace and unity. Local authorities are engines for development, drivers of the economy.”
MDC T chairperson Morgan Komichi was also in Kwekwe for the elections.
New Ziana
