Mangena Scoops Award

SMALL CITY HALL – Bulawayo’s Ward 24 councillor, Gideon Mangena, scooped the prestigious Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT) 2017 Councillor of the Year Award, at a colourful ceremony held in the city recently.

The accolade seeks to give recognition to a councillor who excels at basic service delivery in their ward, response to citizen’s needs, chamber representation, and attendance at residents meetings, transparency and other related factors.

Mangena, who scored the highest, demonstrated the highest level of transparency in his leadership as was even seen in his selection of beneficiaries of the Business Social Credit Scheme, during the year under review.

“This councillor has also been active in the Full Council meetings, raising pertinent issues affecting residents in his ward,” said ZDDT Programmes Manager, Nozibusiso Bhebhe, while presenting the award.

“In March last year, the councillor in question organised a residents’ meeting which had a record attendance of over 900 residents.”

Sonny Phiri, a prominent Bulawayo businessman, who was the guest of honour at a glamorous function, handed over Councillor Mangena a trophy and a certificate of recognition.

Mangena said he was elated by the award and promised to even work harder to improve the lives of residents in his ward.

Councillors Charles Moyo of Ward 9 and Rodney Jele of Ward 22, who were the first and second runners-up respectively, were presented with certificates each.

Meanwhile Dennis Mathe of Gwabalanda, walked away with the Community Action Team (CAT) Leader of the Year Award, receiving a ZDDT trophy and certificate, while Patricia Tshabalala of Mpopoma was crowned the Community Volunteer of the Year at the same occasion.