Mpofu’s death a blow

Editorial Comment
BULAWAYO has been plunged into mourning following the death of outspoken Alderman Charles Mpofu, the city’s former deputy mayor.

BULAWAYO has been plunged into mourning following the death of outspoken Alderman Charles Mpofu, the city’s former deputy mayor.

The reason Mpofu’s death has touched many residents is that he was not an ordinary politician.

At a time when Zimbabwe seems to be desperately short of politicians with spine amid the abundance of praise singers, the former Nketa councillor was never shy to speak his mind.

The fact that at one time he belonged to Zapu since he was a war veteran, moved to Zanu PF, the original MDC, MDC-T, revived Zapu and the Welshman Ncube-led MDC speaks volumes about his reluctance to be gagged.

Mpofu served as a councillor for Ward 25 in Nketa from 1991 to 2008.

During his tenure, he served on the Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committee, the Executive Committee (now General Purposes Committee), Finance and Development and Health, Housing and Education committees.

He chaired the last two committees.

He also served as council representative on outside bodies such as the Bulawayo Twinning Committee, Matabeleland North Provincial Council, National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe, Local Authorities Pension Fund Management Committee and the Urban Council’s Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ).

He was also appointed as alternate for the Zimbabwe National Army Benevolent Fund board of trustees for the 2003 to 2004 municipal year.

During the 2003 to 2004 municipal year, Mpofu was the deputy mayor of Bulawayo.

He was elevated to the status of alderman in 2001 “in recognition of his eminent civic and public service rendered during his tenure as councillor” where he played an important role in representing the views of residents and underprivileged residents.

This is just but an indication that Mpofu was not an ordinary politician. Even after losing his bid to represent Nketa in Parliament under an MDC ticket in last year’s elections, he remained with the people.

He was a constant feature in national newspapers where he added his voice to the national discourse at various levels — be it the deficit in leadership bedevilling our major opposition parties and the daily bread and butter issues.

Mpofu’s death is a severe blow to Bulawayo and the nation at large. May his soul rest in eternal peace.