Masvingo Urban Ward 7 has been plunged into mourning following the death of its councillor, Tafara Masimba, a well-respected and committed public servant. His untimely passing, which was confirmed by city officials, has sent shockwaves across the local authority and among residents who held him in high esteem for his unwavering dedication to public service and community upliftment.
Tafara Masimba , who had been serving since the last local government elections, quickly rose to prominence as a passionate and tireless advocate for the people of Ward 7. He was known for championing critical developmental issues, with particular emphasis on improving service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and youth empowerment. His approach to leadership was rooted in active community engagement, and he was a regular presence at local meetings, events, and ward consultations.
Details surrounding the cause of his death remain unclear at this time, but sources close to his family revealed that Tafara Masimba had been unwell in recent days. The city council is expected to provide further updates once more information becomes available.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the city and beyond, with fellow councillors, civic leaders, residents, and political figures from various parties expressing shock and sorrow at the news. Many described Councillor Masimba as a humble, approachable, and principled leader whose work ethic and sense of responsibility stood out.
Masvingo Mayor, Councillor Collen Maboke, described Masimba’s death as a tragic blow to the council and the community. “Councillor Masimba was not just a colleague; he was a brother in service. He worked hard to improve the lives of the people he served and never wavered in his commitment. His voice in council debates was firm but always constructive, and he had a gift for bridging divides and building consensus.”
Residents of Ward 7 echoed similar sentiments, remembering Tafara Masimba as a man who was always ready to listen and act. “He was one of us, a councillor who never forgot where he came from. Whether it was a broken drainage system, water supply issues, or youth unemployment, he took everything seriously,” said local resident Rumbidzai Makumbe. “He didn’t just make promises — he followed through.”
Masimba was also heavily involved in various council subcommittees focusing on infrastructure, housing, and social welfare. Under his leadership, Ward 7 saw noticeable improvements in road maintenance, street lighting, and the rehabilitation of community facilities. He also helped establish youth skills training programs, including small grants initiatives aimed at empowering unemployed youths to start income-generating projects.
In addition to his official council work, Tafara Masimba participated in community clean-up campaigns, health awareness drives, and was often seen engaging directly with residents to hear their concerns and update them on developments. His leadership style was described as people-centred, practical, and inclusive.
Masvingo Urban Ward 7 Councillor Tafara Masimba Dies, Leaving Community in Mourning
Civic society groups in Masvingo also paid tribute to his collaborative spirit. One organization, the Masvingo Community Development Trust (MCDT), issued a statement saying, “Tafara Masimba was always willing to work with civil society. He understood that development requires partnerships and was never afraid to get involved in grassroots efforts. His presence at ward consultative meetings will be deeply missed.”
With his passing, attention now turns to the vacuum left behind in Ward 7 and the broader impact on the Masvingo City Council. His absence is expected to be felt both in the chambers and on the ground, where his proactive leadership had become a hallmark of governance in the area.
The Masvingo City Council is currently coordinating with Masimba’s family regarding funeral arrangements, which are expected to be announced in the coming days. City officials have indicated that plans are underway to honor his memory with a civic memorial in recognition of his contribution to the development of Masvingo.
As Masvingo mourns this significant loss, there is a growing call from residents and fellow leaders alike for those who come after him to carry forward his vision and commitment. Many hope that his legacy of grassroots activism, servant leadership, and unwavering dedication to his community will continue to inspire both current and future generations of civic leaders.
Source- ZimEye
