adminGibson Mhaka
WHEN you think of women on a mission, the name of acting Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo from Nkulumane 11 suburb should apparently come to mind.
The acting Mayor Khumalo (56) who is Councillor for Ward 23 which covers Nkulumane 10, 11, and a portion of Nkulumane 13 is a shining example of a woman on a mission.
She is a passionate and dedicated woman who is working tirelessly to make a difference in her ward, and the City of Bulawayo in particular especially for women and girls.
Her journey as a female politician, is committed to making a difference in her community, and her priorities are indeed indelible prints on her political journey.
In an interview with B-Metro Clr Khumalo said she was aware of the challenges that women and girls faced in her community and the City of Bulawayo at large.
“Many live in poverty, and they are disproportionately affected by HIV, child mortality, and malnutrition. I also know that women and girls are often victims of domestic violence.
They continue to face unprecedented challenges to their education, their physical and mental wellness, their participation in decision-making processes and the protection needed for a life without violence.
“I am determined to address these challenges by collaborating with other stakeholders. I am on a mission to change my community and the city for the better. I believe that we can create a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I am asking for people from my ward and in Bulawayo in particular to support me to make this happen,” she said.
The Acting Mayor said her work would have a profound impact on the lives of women and girls in the city.
“Many women will be able to start their own businesses and become financially independent. I also want to make sure that girls from my ward and the City of Bulawayo in particular will be able to stay in school and pursue their dreams. And women and girls will also be able to access the support they need to live safe and healthy lives,” she said.
She said empowering young women and girls and promoting gender equality was crucial to accelerate sustainable development.
“I want to create a community where women and girls are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. I am working to ensure that women and girls have access to education, training, employment opportunities and healthcare. I also work to promote gender equality and women’s rights,” said Clr Khumalo.
Clr Khumalo who knew that she couldn’t achieve all of these goals alone, said she was in the process of building a team of like-minded individuals recruited from a diverse group of people from the community, including youth leaders, women’s groups, key population, people with disabilities and representatives of different religious and ethnic groups.
“We will start by conducting a needs assessment to identify the most pressing issues in the ward. Since the issue of drug and alcohol abuse among youth is a major problem, it is also part of my top priorities.
“We will organise workshops for community leaders on topics such as conflict resolution and team building and if funds permit we will launch a youth employment programme that will provide training and job placement assistance to young people,” she said.
Knowing that local governance emanates from the grassroots, Clr Khumalo said she would also form a committee tasked with amplifying the voices of the community and enhancing the involvement and participation of all ward members.
“Our motto is “Nothing for Us Without Us,” I believe that the people in my ward should be at the centre of all decision-making. I also believe that it is important to give everyone a voice, regardless of their age, gender or social status.
“I am committed to working hard to make my community a better place for everyone. I believe that we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” the Acting Mayor said.
Sharing her advice with women considering running for an office the Acting Mayor said they should be resilient and do self-introspection and be genuine enough to acknowledge strengths and weaknesses and work on improving their skills through mentorship.
“They should also believe that they have the potential to do so. They should not underestimate themselves. They should also entertain positive thoughts and feelings as well as cultivate a culture of learning and research,” she said.
Talking about why it is important that young people and young women go for politics, she said: “it is important because they have the ideas, the creativity and a new mindset”.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
mbulelo smpofu
