First black mayor of Corby finishes term, passes the baton Former Mayor of Corby Councillor Chikoto

Dr Masimba Mavaza Correspondent

Three years ago, the citizens of Corby gave Councillor Tafadzwa Chikoto the great honour and opportunity to serve them as councillor, deputy mayor and mayor.

On Tuesday, he gave the reigns of leadership to another councillor in a democratic manner as he thanked the Corby community and all those who allowed him this extended opportunity to serve Corby.

He thanked them all for their exemplary citizenship that has allowed Corby to become a finer, more just, beautiful and liveable town.

Councillor Chikoto made history as he became the first black Mayor for Corby.

His term was packed with drama and pomp.

Surprisingly, some Zimbabweans in Corby teamed up against Chikoto trying to bring him down.

He was accused of having met President Mnangagwa when he visited Zimbabwe during one of his holidays, as if it is a crime to do so.

This behaviour of some Zimbabweans in UK who mostly belong to the opposition CCC was appalling and disappointing.

Through his perseverance, Chikoto made it clear that the job of mayor was personal in that the responsibilities were not abstract or theoretical, but rather direct, specific and intimate.

The mayor’s responsibility is to ensure safety of the community at home, at work, on the streets, for neighbourhood parks to be safe, beautiful and active for children’s play, for garbage and trash to be neatly collected, neighbourhoods peaceful and tidy and an economy bustling to benefit livelihood.

Chikoto also illustrated that it was the duty of the mayor to ensure a town is growing in fiscal strength and fairness, the inspiration of the arts accessible to all, lovely and positive civic spaces.

Despite efforts by detractors, Councillor Chikoto served his town with diligence and serious commitment.

“It has been a historic and great honour serving as the first ever black mayor of Corby Town,” Chikoto said.

He acknowledged the rich Corby community.

He stated that he had met with many people within Corby celebrating together their achievements.

As his passion from the beginning, Chikoto as a mayor managed to raise a lot of funds for his chosen charities like Lakelands Hospice and Sure Start.

He assured the community that his charity work would continue even after his term.

“It was a great opportunity to advocate for young people in Corby so they can easily access health and education services while they also have employment opportunities,” he said.

Attending the Corby Pole Fair was a momentous occasion and indeed a chance of a lifetime for Mayor Chikoto as it is only done once in 20 years.

A short film was made to mark this historic occasion.

This was archived and will be taken out a few years before preparations for the next Pole Fair in 2044.

Moving on, the former mayor who is also passionate about opportunities and development of ordinary people, will look into creating links and investment opportunities between the UK and his home country Zimbabwe.

Mayor Chikoto said in attending to his responsibilities, he had the opportunity to listen to people through ordinary conversations, letters, emails, phone calls, at city council meetings, neighbourhood association meetings and civic organisations.

“In this process, a most wonderful thing happened to me. Through those communications, I got to know you, feel and appreciate your goodness and got to understand your hearts’ wishes — and that has been a priceless treasure,” he said.

“It has inspired me to work harder, to do more and do it better, and to never give up. So in the totality of my work, it never became remote, was never a statistic or poll number, but was always personal; the happiness and well-being of each of you, every citizen in our town.

“I also got to know your hearts; that is, what you would find most fulfilling, what would enrich your lives and the lives of your children, what would make you happy and proud of your Corby.

“And then together we undertook to turn those aspirations into reality. Whether it was seeking to make our town more just and welcoming for our African British brothers and sisters and achieving their full participation in our local government and community or whether it was making our city safer and more liveable; whether it was being named the UK’s most desirable destination or place to live.

“Or whether it was attracting new, better jobs and creating businesses for our communities, these achievements we accomplished together.

“Many became embroiled in controversy as I was battered left right and centre by my own people. I assure you all that those are losers who never want to see progress and development. I am proud of the majority of Corby people who had faith in me regardless of the onslaught. My colleagues in the council my mentor and those who worked in the background. I say thank you.”

Chikoto said what kept him going, pushing and the resolve not to give up was that he had gotten to know the people of Corby’s hearts.

He said he knew that if the goal was achieved, the project or initiative completed, he would fulfil the Corby community’s expectations and make them proud citizens.

Mayor Chikoto did Zimbabwe proud and did so much more for a country with opportunities for citizens to form partnerships, create new institutions and programmes, care for the poor and homeless, enhance children’s education, protect open lands forever, strengthen health clinics and empower neighbourhoods, assist senior citizens, mentor little children and much more by just being mayor thousands of miles away from home.

Despite detractors, Chikoto showed that the freedom of a democracy does not produce a selfish people but rather it enhances the natural human instinct to be generous and help others.

Many children and youths were helped by Chikoto and he opened doors for those who were closed out by colour bar.

Chikoto said his secret was that he was always guided by the standard of excellence.

“That is; we have the responsibility to seek excellence in everything we do,” he said.

Mayor Chikoto showed that the long march for racial understanding and justice is not finished. And we must do more and work harder to better understand, love, care for and respect each other.

But even though his time in the mayor’s office and serving Corby will be over, the memories will never leave us, they will nourish us every day of our lives.

Tafadzwa Chikoto did us proud. He did Corby proud. And above all he is a true son of the soil. He did Zimbabwe proud.

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