Nhambu-Kaseke’s burning desire to develop Kuwadzana
WHEN Cde Betty Nhambu-Kaseke vacated her parliamentary seat in 2018, she hoped her successor in Kuwadzana would continue with the development work she had already started.
She served as Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency from 2015 to 2018 after winning a by-election in 2015.
However, the MDC Alliance candidate, the late Miriam Mushayi, who succeeded her during the 2018 harmonised elections did very little to continue developing the area, nor did she begin new projects.
Cde Nhambu-Kaseke is hoping that the “lack of development which has pervaded the constituency since giving the seat to the opposition will inspire the electorate to vote for a candidate who has a track record of delivering the goods”.
She told The Sunday Mail she has the pedigree and would not take people for granted if voted into office.
“We saw that there is poor service delivery; roads are not in good shape. Motorists are being affected and there is no public lighting. We tried to engage the relevant authorities, but when I left office in 2018, the conversations were shelved.”
Even outside Parliament, she claims she did not turn her back on Kuwadzana, but continued to assist families in their times of need.
She believes another mandate will allow her to do more for the constituency, which covers Kuwadzana Extension, Kuwadzana Phase 3, as well as Kuwadzana 5,6,7 and Tynwald South.
“I have repaired more than 50 tower lights from 2013 to date and this programme is still ongoing. We are currently working on installing new streetlights in areas like Tynwald and Kuwadzana Extension,” she said.
Cde Nhambu-Kaseke, who is also the ZANU PF Harare province Women’s League chairperson, has a strong affinity towards women and youth, who have been at the centre of her community development efforts.
“I have drilled 19 boreholes in four wards in the constituency to assist the people who are facing water challenges. For at least four days of the week, the people of Kuwadzana do not have water, but we have been trying to address this through programmes such as the drilling of boreholes.”
The businesswoman and former model has financed the training of more than 400 women in business, equipping them with life skills, including detergent-making.
“Through the Betty Kaseke Foundation, I have assisted up to 10 000 people over the years with clothes, shoes, rice and mealie-meal.”
She has spearheaded the revival of a community centre in Kuwadzana 6 where young people have been showcasing their talent.
She has areas she wants to prioritise once she regains access to the Constituency Development Fund and is able to court partners on behalf of the constituency.
“There is a block we were working on at Kuwadzana 6 Primary School. It breaks my heart that the project stalled when I left office and those who came after did not continue. I want to finish the block the first chance I get,” she said.
She also hopes to put more pressure on the City of Harare to give decent service to residents.
“I also want to lobby Government, following up on the pronouncement made by President Mnangagwa that people in new settlements will be given title deeds. We have people that have been waiting for regularisation of their homes and I will work to see through the process,” she added.
Besides modelling, which the 38-year-old was initially known for, Cde Nhambu-Kaseke, who is now a successful businesswoman, entered politics at a tender age.
“I was first involved in politics at 16, but (I) was heavily involved in development issues at the Youth League and I grew into the Women’s League.”
She attended Glen View 1 Primary School and did her secondary education at Glen View High 1 and Highfield High schools.
She is currently studying for a Masters’ degree in Business Leadership.
“I am a holder of Bachelor of Business Administration and I am currently studying for a Masters’ degree in Business Leadership.
“I started with a computer course at the University of Zimbabwe before I went on to study for a secretarial diploma.
“I also have a Diploma in Business Leadership.”
She will be among the four candidates vying for the Kuwadzana seat on March 26.
Other candidates are Mr Johnson Matambo (CCC), Mr Nesbert Mapfumo (UDA), and Ms Fatima Madamombe (MDC Alliance).