Councilor Nokuthula Sibanda: My 150 Days in Office.
Written By Loraine Phiri
Councilor Nokuthula Sibanda’s first 150 days in office have been a journey of learning, challenges, and triumphs. In a recent interview with WILD, Cllr. Sibanda reflected on her journey, highlighting the valuable lessons she’s learned, the initiatives she’s spearheaded, and the unique challenges she faces as a woman in politics.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership starts with listening,” Cllr. Sibanda shared. “By actively listening to the concerns and diverse needs of my community, I’ve been able to identify real problems and work towards solutions collaboratively.” This collaborative approach, she believes, is instrumental in ensuring service delivery effectively addresses community needs.
Cllr. Sibanda’s tenure has been marked by a strong commitment to empowering women and fighting against gender-based violence. Her participation in the 16 Days of Activism campaign saw her raise awareness and challenge harmful myths within the Nkulumane community, creating a safer space for women and girls.
“In November I participated in the 16 days of Activism. I engaged my community by conducting 16 days of activism and community awareness in Nkulumane Hall. The aim was to raise awareness of gender-based violence and challenge harmful myths, to create a safer and more supportive environment for women and girls. It was attended by about 40 women who all pledged to share the information in their community and speak out against gender-based violence,” she said.
Looking ahead, Cllr. Sibanda is involved in a community-level initiative to promote women’s economic empowerment through a cooperative to foster collaboration and resource sharing.
“I have also been engaged in a community-level initiative to promote the economic empowerment of women through the formation of a cooperative. The cooperative will enable women to pool their resources and support one another in starting and running successful businesses. While the project is still in its early stages, there is significant potential for it to have a positive impact on the economic and social well-being of the community,” she said.
As a woman councilor, Cllr. Sibanda acknowledges the additional hurdles she faces. Societal biases and scrutiny often accompany her decisions, demanding a higher standard and resilience. Despite these challenges, she remains undeterred, using her voice to advocate for her community and challenge harmful stereotypes.
Asked how she connects with the community, technology plays a key role in connecting with the community, Cllr. Sibanda noted, “WhatsApp allows me to stay informed about what’s happening,” she says while highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions as well. “Some residents come to me directly to report issues like sewer bursts or share concerns on service delivery,” she adds.
Learning from WILD, Cllr. Sibanda credits WILD training with equipping her with valuable skills.
“Lessons from WILD such as self-mastery, communication, and problem-solving skills have been invaluable in my work as a councillor as it helps me connect with constituents and find solutions that resonate with the community,” said Cllr Sibanda.