Zimbabwe: Grassroots leadership at its best: Councillor Mashapure’s Model of community development

Muchaneta Mashapure, a resident of Mavhurume Village and a PR councillor for Murewa Rural District Council, has emerged as one of the most inspiring grassroots drivers of change in Mashonaland East. Her journey began not in an office, but in the fields-where she launched her first tobacco farming project. What started as a simple farming initiative quickly transformed into a powerful engine for women’s empowerment, youth development, and community resilience. 

When Mashapure started her project, she made a deliberate and bold decision: she employed women only. Many of these women had never earned their own income or directly supported their families without relying on their spouses. Through their work in her tobacco fields, the women began to see a new future for themselves. They were able to buy water pumps for their gardens, pay school fees for their children, improve their homes and contribute meaningfully to their households. 

Mashapure explains that the project grew beyond farming; it became a platform for dignity, confidence, and leadership. As more farmers joined, she encouraged the adoption of modern techniques, improved crop yields, and reduced waste by introducing sustainable practices. With every successful harvest, the community became more united, and a strong network of farmers formed sharing knowledge, resources, and new ideas for growth. 

The benefits of the project went beyond income. Families began investing in livestock, children returned to school because fees were paid on time, and households gained access to clean water through her borehole. Youth who worked cutting wood or supporting the farming process were able to buy their own inputs and cattle, marking the start of their financial independence. 

Mashapure’s leadership also created space for dialogue, innovation, and shared purpose. Her project empowered women and youth to take part in decision-making processes, allowing them to take leadership roles previously dominated by men. She speaks proudly about how the changes were not forced, but emerged naturally through opportunity, mentorship, and trust. 

The transformation within the village echoes powerful sentiments expressed by inspirational African leaders whose words Mashapure often reflects on. As Julius Nyerere once said, “The future of Africa is in the hands of its youth.” This has been evident in Mavhurume, where young people have embraced farming, entrepreneurship, and leadership with renewed confidence. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s words - “Development is not just about growth, it is about transformation” also mirror the shift in the community, where development is now measured not only in harvests but in empowered families and collective progress. And in the spirit of Steve Biko’s belief that “The strength of a people is determined by the quality of their leadership,” Mashapure has become the embodiment of strong, compassionate, and community-driven leadership.  

Evidence of these changes is visible everywhere in Mavhurume Village. Lush green fields showcase improved yields. New farming infrastructure stands where barren land once lay. Groups of women and youth gather during training sessions, eager to learn and share experiences. Photographs from the village capture laughter, pride, and determination during fieldwork, community gatherings, and the emerging poultry project born from the success of the tobacco venture. 

Through her efforts, Mashapure has shown that meaningful change begins when one person decides to uplift others. Her story demonstrates how women’s economic empowerment strengthens entire communities, reduces poverty, and builds resilience for generations to come. What began as a small farming project has evolved into a movement one that continues to grow, inspire, and transform Murewa, one season at a time.  

 By: Muchanetsa Mashapura