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Masvingo Correspondent
Gutu Rural District Council Ward 2 councillor Nicholas Zambara of Zanu-PF has retained the chairmanship of the local authority for the third consecutive time after he romped to victory in the elections held at Mpandawana Town Board offices yesterday.

Clr Zambara garnered 26 votes, while his closest rival, Ward 21 Clr Jevas Mutizwa, managed 12 votes and Ward 32 Clr Bauren Bote had three votes.

The elections followed the swearing-in of 41 councillors for the local authority who were elected during the July 30 harmonised polls.

Zanu-PF has 38 councillors under Gutu RDC, while the MDC-Alliance has three.

Ward 37 Clr Gabriel Mapepa (Zanu-PF) landed the Mpandawana Town Board chair post after he prevailed over Ward 34 Clr Wickliff Matindike.

The polls were presided over by Gutu District Administrator Mrs Chiedza Tafirei and also saw various portfolio chairpersons being elected.

In his acceptance speech, Clr Zambara said he was honoured to be re-elected to lead the local authority for the third time.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the newly-elected councillors for bestowing upon me the authority to steer development in Mpandawana Town and the entire district,” he said.

“It is my hope that we will work as a team.”

Former chairman for the Community Services Committee Clr Charles Mannie (Ward 23) was elected Clr Zambara’s deputy unopposed.

Other chairpersons voted into office were Ward 12 Clr Francis Chitsa (Finance committee), Ward 13 Clr Martin Taderera (Human Resources committee), Ward 28 Clr Johnson Nhema (Community Services), Ward 20 Clr Lawrence Mapfumo (Agricultural and Natural Resources) and Ward 19 Clr Clephas Muzindi (Roads Works and Public Works committee).

Ward 5 Clr Martin Nhamoinesu was elected audit committee chairman uncontested.

The meeting also resolved to select members of various portfolio committees after induction of the new chairpersons.

Gutu RDC chief executive Mr Alexander Mtembwa advised the new team of councillors to set aside their political differences and work for the development of the local authority.

Present at the meeting were traditional leaders drawn from Gutu and various stakeholders.