Lupane Cllr Tando Ndaba Menyezwa finds growth and purpose in serving her community
Written by Loraine Phiri
Lupane District Council ward 4 Councillor, Tando Ndaba Menyezwa, has discovered immense personal and professional development through her role. Being a councillor has honed her skills in time management, collaboration, and prioritization.
In an interview with WILD, Councillor Ndaba Menyezwa shared her experience as a woman in local governance, highlighting the valuable skills she has gained. “This role has not only strengthened my time management, collaboration and prioritization skills, but more importantly, it has opened my eyes to the vast needs of my ward and instilled a deep sense of empathy within me,” she said. “Every resident’s concern, big or small, has a real impact on their lives, and I am driven to make a positive difference.”
Her dedication extends beyond council meetings and service delivery. Councillor Ndaba Menyezwa is a champion for social justice.
“I actively engage with youths, widows, mothers, and grandmothers, addressing issues like domestic violence, substance abuse, and personal and family challenges,” she explained. “I am also involved in programs that connect residents who have moved away to cities or abroad, encouraging them to support their communities back home in overcoming challenges like drought caused by climate change.”
Councillor Ndaba Menyezwa noted that she made effort to engage with her community; “To hear people’s concerns, I call ward or village meetings and collaborate with traditional leadership,” she said. “I also have a Whatsapp group that helps mobilize meetings. This group includes everyone from village heads to villagers, making it easy to connect and engage with my community.”
Being a woman councillor comes with its own set of hurdles, as Councillor Ndaba Menyezwa acknowledges “Juggling motherhood and being a leader can be demanding as these are two roles that both require my constant attention,” she says. My work requires travel to meetings, and sometimes, I walk long distances between villages to connect with residents. This requires exceptional multi-tasking and time management skills, often impacting even my meal schedules.”
Councilor Ndaba Menyezwa credits leadership training she received at “WILD” as transformative. “It instilled humility, bravery, and effective communication skills,” she said. “I can now confidently address large audiences, something that previously caused me stage fright. This training, along with my experiences, has solidified my belief that women can excel in leadership roles. The success of organizations with women leaders is a testament to this.”
She encourages young women to embrace leadership opportunities within their communities. “There are opportunities everywhere, from water committees to school development initiatives,” she said. “This journey fosters self-esteem, confidence, and the courage to make a difference.”