Lupane local leaders empowered on social accountability

Thembelihle Mhlanga

Lupane community leaders and development committee members recently gathered at the Kusile Rural District Council Boardroom for a transformative workshop focusing on social accountability and access to information.

The event, organized by Sunshine Cinema, brought together key stakeholders, including Ward Development Committees (WADCO), Village Development Committees, and village heads, to enhance their understanding of governance and community engagement.

Among the attendees were Councillor June Mpofu for Ward 26 (Sothani), Proportional Representation Councillor Thulisani Nkomo, and Bandile Dube, the Junior Councillor for Ward 26. These leaders recognized the importance of equipping themselves with the tools needed to better serve their communities.

“This meeting was truly an eye-opener for us as leaders,” said Councillor Thulisani Nkomo. “We learned that our roles extend beyond mere representation; we have a duty to ensure that our community members are well-informed and engaged in decision-making processes that affect their lives.”

The workshop featured a public screening of a presentation by Thuli Madonsela, the former Public Protector of South Africa, who was highlighted as a key example who had effective strategies for combating corruption and promoting public accountability.

Zibusiso Moyo, Sunshine Cinema Ambassador for Matabeleland North, facilitated the session, emphasizing the need for community leaders to fully grasp their mandates and recognize their rights to access and share accurate information, as outlined in sections 61 and 62 of the Zimbabwean constitution and in the Freedom of Information Act.

Councillor June Mpofu expressed his enthusiasm about the potential impact of the training.

“Understanding these principles of social accountability, as exemplified by Thuli Madonsela, will transform the way we operate. Our communities deserve leaders who are not only accessible but also accountable,” she stated.

Village head Mphathi Nkiwane also voiced his appreciation for the workshop.

“As village heads, we often face challenges in communicating vital information to our community members. This training has equipped us with the necessary tools to bridge that gap,” Nkiwane remarked. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between elected officials and traditional leaders to foster a more informed and engaged populace.

Participants, including Paul Zondo, highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing community governance.

“Access to information is crucial for our development. With the knowledge gained today, we can better advocate for our rights and hold our leaders accountable,” he said.

Zondo underscored the importance of ongoing training and capacity building for local leaders to ensure sustainable community development.

The workshop concluded with a commitment from all participants to implement the principles of social accountability in their respective roles. The councillors pledged to organize regular community meetings to ensure that information flows freely and that residents are actively involved in governance processes.

In an era where access to information is paramount, there was a general consensus that foster transparency and accountability are essential for empowering local communities. It became apparent that with the right tools and knowledge, the local development committees are poised to drive meaningful change in Kusile Rural District.