…As he completes the Mandela Washington Fellowship
Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-Urban ward 3 councilor who is Chiredzi Town Council vice chairperson is still weighing options to run for the legislative post in Chiredzi West Constituency under the Citizens Convergence for Change (CCC) banner after talk in political circles blew on who the better candidate is between him and ward 18 councilor Gilbert Mutubuki after the former recently completed the prestigious Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellowship.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme for YALI that empowers young African people through academic coursework, leadership training and networking.
2021’s Fellowship was held virtually, where Makumire was enrolled at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
“I was enrolled at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where I was studying Leadership in Civic engagement. I learnt about working with the public or people from various walks of life for example different religions, political parties, socio-economic status, race and color. I had an opportunity to network with the Mayor His Worship Rennie Brantz who also gave me honorary citizenship,” said Makumire.
This sparked debate in the Lowveld political circles and on social media as many were encouraging him to contest the legislative post come 2023 under the CCC ticket while others opted for Mutubuki, who has been vocal in opposition politics.
Contacted for comment, Makumire riddled that the CCC party president Nelson Chamisa spoke that only those who have been shortlisted by the electorate will be eligible to contest, indicating that he wants to spent his time in expanding his Town Planning company.
“As what was said by the president (Chamisa), this time it is not for those who want but for those who have been selected by the citizens. If I am one of the selected, I will contest but I think I need to focus more in expanding my profession in Town Planning,” said Makumire.
Makumire became the youngest councilor and vice chairperson in Zimbabwe in 2018 when he was elected as ward 3 councilor on an independent candidate ticket.
He is also a holder of a Masters in Urban Design with National University of Science Technology (NUST), Bachelor of Science in Rural and Urban Planning University of Zimbabwe (UZ) as well as a Certificate in Project Planning and Management from (UZ), currently working as a part time lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) is the Managing Director of a Town Planning Consultancy, KUMS Town Planning and Consultancy.
Makumire said he had an opportunity of networking with young leadership from across the continent where he learnt that as a leader, you should place citizens first and treat them as equal.
“I had an opportunity to network with young African leaders from across the continent. It was so inspiring meeting young minded youths who have made impact in their communities.
“I learnt that citizens should be prioritized first. All people are equal in the eyes of the leader and that as a leader, you should keep people well informed and always create platforms for residents to air their views,” he added.
