Perpetua Murungweni
Masvingo Rural District Council (RDC)’s ward 25 has been a Zanu-PF stronghold having been held by Zanu PF since 1980 only to be won by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in this year’s election.
The new Councillor Tarusenga Mapamba said it was not an easy task winning in ward 25 which has been held by his uncle and namesake who later passed on the baton to Livison Mudzonga who has been there since 2005 and seeking for a fifth term in office.
“Ward 25 has been a Zanu-PF strong hold for the past 43 years and it was a tough journey for me to win. There were a number of cases of intimidation from Zanu PF and people were told not to vote for the opposition as usual in rural areas.
“It was difficult for me to gather people to campaign or hear their grievances. At times was I was denied a chance to speak at community gatherings by the former councilor because I was from the opposition.
“Sometimes we would hear that after leaving a certain area, people were intimidated and we would need to go back again to convince them to remain resolute,” said Mapamba.
He had to take advantage of funeral gatherings to meet different people in the ward where he would secretly exchange notes and sell his manifesto to the people.
“I had to make sure that I attend every funeral gathering, contribute some food and the help with some requirements, I bought big 3 legged pots (mabhodho) and plates for burial societies and I had to make sure that I am part of the community and because of that I became part of the society and I think that is how they accepted me to lead them.
“My good relationship with the people as Christian and member of the Zion Apostolic Church also helped me to sail through,” said Mapamba.
He said he was born and bred in the same ward so he understands what people need very well as he has been part of the community since birth.
“I was born in the area and I understand the challenges people in this area face and that gave me the spirit to stand still and fight so that I get a chance to fix what is wrong in the community.
“The community also complained on the system of employment recruitment that is being used at Rio Zim Renco Mine and it is one of the things that I want to adress,” said Mapamba.
He said his developmental plan involve engaging people and hear what they want then engage potential organizations to address the challenges.
“I am going to spearhead development through interacting with people and get to know what they want. I will the look for potential investors, and engage the business community and Rio Zim Mine so that we work together, creating employment and addressing other challenges,” said Mapamba.
The 49 year old Mapamba began his political journey in 2013 when he joined Mavambo party under Simba Makoni and then joined MDC alliance in 2018. He later joined CCC during its inception in 2022.
Mapamba did his Primary at Muchibwa and proceeded for secondary at Shonganiso Mission High before coming back home for A level at Tugwane High.
He is currently working as a Maintenance Fitter at Renco Mine.
