Zimbabwe: A champion of hope in Kwekwe city

In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province lies the vibrant city of Kwekwe home to a leader whose compassion is transforming the lives of children, youth, and families lives. Councillor Dieless Muradzikwa, serves under the Kwekwe City Council and has become a beacon of hope to many. Her efforts focus on supporting orphans and vulnerable children to access education, organising youth mentorship programmes, promoting gender equality, and coordinating events that build unity and civic responsibility. 

As a councillor in a City Council recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Gender in Local Government, her daily work centres on the people she serves. She is known for her hands-on leadership and her passion for transforming lives through practical action. What makes her work truly unique is her personal sacrifice, often funding school fees and resources for children who would otherwise be left behind. One council official once remarked that, “Councillor Muradzikwa’s commitment to the community has inspired many of us to focus on supporting children and motivating youth, we are seeing real results because she leads with compassion and action.” 

Perhaps the most touching example of her work is the story of Stallon Moyo. After losing his father, Stallon dropped out of school because his family could not afford fees. Councillor Muradzikwa stepped in not only paying his fees but walking with him emotionally until he regained confidence. Stallon shares his gratitude: “Before Councillor Muradzikwa helped me, I had stopped going to school, now I am back in class where I’m doing well and hope to finish school and help other children like me one day.” He is attending school proudly in his uniform, representing renewed hope and the power of compassionate leadership. Councillor Muradzikwa usually explains that, “I am from Kwekwe and this community made me who I am and serving it is not just a duty but calling.” 

Kwekwe’s youth, who were once idle and uncertain about their future, have found motivation and direction through her mentorship sessions. Allan Zano, a young man who struggled to find purpose, shares, “Through the youth meetings organised by Councillor Muradzikwa, I learnt that I can start small and still make progress thus I started a gardening project, which is now my source of livelihood” It is from the councillor’s mentorship programs and entrepreneurial lessons that a significant number of youths had established small income generating projects which ranges  from crop production to small livestock rearing, grocery shops to skills and trade practice such as metal fabrication and carpentry to mention but a few.  

Her initiatives, had encouraged the young and old who used to sceptical about her vision to join and participate in development meetings. Councillor Muradzikwa beautifully captures this shift when she says, “It is no longer the council’s or the people’s development but our collective development.” This transformation began with simple but powerful acts of listening to the community’s struggles like children out of school, unemployed youth, and low civic participation. She responded with consistent, community-driven action, identifying vulnerable children and paying school fees, offering emotional support, holding regular mentorship lessons, encouraging small business ideas, organising events that foster economic development. She further advocated for social development integration into council priorities and budgets. Over time, these efforts shifted attitudes, restored confidence, and rebuilt the collective spirit of Kwekwe. Councillor Muradzikwa usually reflects, “Before, there was hopelessness but now, there is renewed hope, unity, and empowerment in our small community.” 

The evidence of change is visible throughout Kwekwe were 34 ophans who were assisted are attending school, 61 young people are gainfully participating in community and economic activities having established more than 115 small to medium enterprise are running. Community events continue to attract large numbers of participants. The cooperation between the community and the City Council had been strengthened. Thirty-four school children including are attending school. 

To ensure the sustainability of her interventions, Councillor Muradzikwa continues working on building partnerships with NGOs, schools, and the business community to support vulnerable children, establish permanent youth clubs, include youth empowerment in the City Council’s budget. She had also focused on documenting success stories for replication in other areas. Above all, she encouraged community resource ownership like owning the means of production by youths, and every capable person in Kwekwe.  

Councillor Dieless Muradzikwa’s journey is a powerful testament that leadership is not about positions it is about impact. Through empathy, personal sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, she is shaping a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient Kwekwe. Her story is not just one of change. It is a story of hope restored, lives rebuilt, and a community rising together. 

By: Dieless Muradzikwa