Zimbabwe: Sheron Marombedze’s Model of Inclusive Development

In Masvingo City, Councillor Sheron Tsitsi Marombedze has emerged as a determined force behind community transformation, gender equality, and holistic empowerment. As a councillor under Masvingo City Council and part of a Gender Links Centre of Excellence, Marombedze’s work has touched housing, health, economic empowerment, drug abuse prevention, and employee wellness making her one of the region’s most impactful local leaders. 

Marombedze describes her commitment as rooted in her responsibility to ensure “smooth and effective service delivery” while uplifting vulnerable groups whose needs often go unheard. Her work demonstrates how targeted policy decisions, community engagement, and gender-responsive planning can change lives at scale. 

For years, many Masvingo City residents lived in council houses, unsure whether they would ever own a home. Some had been renting since the late 1990s. Through Marombedze’s influence in council decision-making, the local authority launched a home-ownership scheme that prioritised vulnerable groups including women, youths, and people with disabilities. This intervention brought dignity and security to long-term tenants, including a woman living with disability who expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I want to thank Masvingo City Council for giving people with disabilities a housing scheme opportunity.”Her words capture the relief of finally having a permanent place to call home after decades of uncertainty. 

Marombedze also recognised early the growing crisis of drug and substance abuse affecting both youths and adults in Masvingo. Through deliberate awareness campaigns, collaborations with stakeholders, and contributions toward a provincial rehabilitation centre, the city began shifting attitudes and behaviours. One community member, Janet*, spoke candidly about the change brought into her life, saying, “l am no longer a drug addict, my children now leave peacefully.”  Stories like hers show how behaviour change is possible when communities receive consistent support and education. 

Her leadership strengthened health and wellness initiatives across the city. Access to clean water improved significantly, new infections of sexually transmitted diseases dropped, and environmental hygiene became a priority. Employee wellness programmes transformed council culture, with alcohol abuse among staff declining as employees began taking wellness days and sports participation seriously. This shift was reflected when Masvingo City teams performed strongly at the National Urban Councils Games. 

Marombedze also championed economic empowerment, recognising that financial independence is central to gender equality. Entrepreneurship programmes targeting unemployed residents and vulnerable groups gave many a renewed sense of purpose. “l am now knowledgeable on how to start my own business because of the support l received from Gender Links and Masvingo City Council” said Mai Anisa*. Through small income-generating initiatives including a thriving community flower-production project supported by Gender Links residents gained skills, confidence, and sustainable sources of income. 

To ensure long-term sustainability, Marombedze advocated for gender-responsive budgeting, continuous community awareness campaigns, and strong monitoring and evaluation processes. She also emphasised the importance of cultural revival, youth hubs, and empowerment programmes that strengthen identity and resilience among young people. 

The results of her work are visible throughout Masvingo: dozens of long-term council tenants have already acquired houses; employee alcohol-related disciplinary cases have dropped; more residents are participating in community economic projects and stakeholder workshops; and service delivery, water supply, and cleanliness have improved significantly. 

Marombedze’s leadership demonstrates how local government, when guided by empathy, vision, and gender responsiveness, can transform an entire city. Her work continues to inspire women, youth, and vulnerable groups proving that when communities are empowered holistically, progress becomes inevitable. 

By: Sheron Tsitsi Marombedze