Sophia Rudo Gwasira (47), a former Police officer has made history by becoming Mutare City’s first female mayor.
She won the mayoral seat on a CCC ticket uncontested.
She is raring to go and she told The Mirror in written answers that she will launch her 100-day plan soon and this will be guided by the City’s 5-year strategic plan that leads the City into 2028.
“Mutare has a strategic plan running until 2025. I will work to ensure that we achieve that. Soon I will launch my 100-day plan so that we enhance service delivery,” said Gwasira.
Gwasira was born and bred in Mutare and she attended Rujeko Primary, Kriste Mambo Secondary. She is a holder of Journeyman Class 1, Motor Mechanics from Mutare Polytechnic and Development Studies Degree from the Zimbabwe Open University.
She says her entry into politics was inspired by the lack of women in leadership positions and the trick in her rise is serving people with integrity and walking the journey with the people.
“Decisions that affect the vulnerable groups are being made without their voices being heard,” said Gwasira.
One of the worst moments in Gwasira’s political career was her recall by Douglas Mwonzora, the president of MDC T. She said that the recall could have been dignified had it come from the people.
“The recall was horrible because it derailed development and affected service delivery. If it was a recall from the electorate it would be understood, not from an arrogant person who did not have the interest of the people at heart,” said Gwasira.
Under MDCT Gwasira was elected councilor for Ward 8 in Dangamvura in 2018 but recalled in 2020. She bounced back in a by-election in 2022. During the last term she was chairperson of the Housing committee and a member of the Public Works and Business investment committees.
Gwasira’s deputy mayor is Ward 12 councillor Cloud Nengomasha.
SOURCE:MASVINGO MIRROR
