By Nyasha Dube
Runde Rural District Council Chairperson Knowmore Nyoni (46) says he is committed to supporting female candidates elected through the women’s quota system, saying this is essential in amplifying women’s voices in rural communities.
The all ZANU PF local authority has six female councillors elected through proportional representation and only four directly elected female ward councillors.
This also comes amid concerns by pressure groups and other stakeholders, that the women’s and youth quotas do not serve a representative purpose as the PR councillors and parliamentarians do not have specific wards and constituencies they represent.
In an interview, Nyoni, who took over chairmanship from a female Mavis Mahuvava, said he will continue supporting female councillors, especially those elected through the women’s quota.
“We are happy to have the women’s quota for the first time in our council, and as the chairperson I promise to work with the female councillors and treat them equally, with support from the council’s management and the District Development Coordinator,” Nyoni said.
Nyoni also promised to deal away with corruption and nepotism, which has often been a serious challenge in most local authorities’ country wide as reflected by the continuously deteriorating service delivery and the Auditor General’s reports.
“During my term, I will ensure that everyone, especially young people, get equal opportunities regardless of who they are or aren’t connected to. I oversee the enactment of progressive policies to ensure that every process, from procurement to allocation of tenders and jobs is done in a transparent way. This way I will contribute to positive development,” said Nyoni.
He added that he will work closely with the former chairperson to ensure the completion of pending projects.
“I have taken over from councillor Mahuvava and she worked hard to ensure that all wards were equally developed. I will pick up where she left and continue with that spirit of equal representation of all wards in the district” Nyoni said.
Meanwhile, Ward 2 councillor Mahuvava says she is happy to be passing on the stick to a younger chairperson, after presiding over the local authority in the 2018 to 2023 term.
“As the former chairperson I am happy have handed over to a younger chairperson as we continue empowering the youth. I will support the new chairperson with anything he may need throughout his term,” Mahuvava said.
She added that she will continue pushing for women’s issues to be heard and addressed, citing the health and education sectors as priorities.
“It has always been my wish to have a clinic and schools in every ward so that villagers, especially women and girls, do not have to walk long distances in order to access healthcare and education. I will support the new chairperson in ensuring that this vision is fulfilled through the devolution fund,” said Mahuvava.
She added, “I will also push for the completion of the Marira clinic piped water project, one of this biggest projects the council worked on during my time as chairperson.”
The Marira clinic piped water project was initiated following outcries by women in the rural communities over water shortages at clinics and mothers shelters, which in turn compromised their sexual reproductive health rights as well as maternal health.