Shantel Yeukai Chiwara Biography
Shantel Yeukai Chiwara is a Zimbabwean politician and the current Mayor of Masvingo. In September 2023, she made history as the youngest person (25) and the first female to hold this prestigious position in the city’s history.
Early Life and Education
Shantel Chiwara is the daughter of James Chiwara, a former deputy mayor of Masvingo, which gave her a familial connection to the local political landscape. Chiwara attended Victoria High School and later pursued higher education.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), showcasing her academic accomplishments. Currently, she is pursuing a Strategic Management Masters’ degree at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), further demonstrating her commitment to education and personal development.
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Political Career
Shantel Chiwara is a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), a political party in Zimbabwe. Her political journey began when she contested and won the Masvingo Ward 2 council seat in the August 23, 2023, harmonized polls. During the election, she received 2,287 votes, securing a decisive victory.
In a historic move, Chiwara was elected as the Mayor of Masvingo by an overwhelming majority of 11 out of 13 votes cast by councillors. Her victory marked a paradigm shift in Zimbabwean politics, emphasizing the promotion of women and young leaders in governance.
Shantel Yeukai Chiwara [Image Credit: Tell Zim News]
Mayoral Duties
As the newly elected Mayor of Masvingo, Shantel Chiwara is supported by Deputy Mayor Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe, also from the CCC. Mberikunashe, who serves his third term as Ward 5 councillor, brings valuable experience and expertise to the mayoral team.
Chiwara was officially sworn in as the new Mayor of Masvingo at a ceremony presided over by Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa.
Controversy and Reception
Chiwara’s election as Mayor, at the age of 25, drew mixed reactions from Zimbabweans. While some hailed it as a significant victory for women in leadership positions, others expressed concerns about her young age and whether she possesses the necessary experience to effectively run council affairs.
References
- iHarare.com – CCC’s Shantel Chiwara (25) Takes The Throne As Masvingo’s Youngest Mayor,
- Zimlive.com – Masvingo elects 25-year-old bank teller as first female mayor – Zimbabwe News Now
- Tellzim.com – Youthful Chiwara wins seat in Masvingo City Council – TellZim News
- Masvingomirror.com – CCC councillor Roki Kamuzonda goes independent » The Mirror
- Changeradiozimbabwe.com – Today, CCC Masvingo urban elderly member narrates her experience after inhaling police tear gas
