25-year-old Shantel Chiwara's election as Masvingo...

25-year-old Shantel Chiwara's election as Masvingo Mayor stirs social media debate

**Newly-elected Masvingo Mayor, Shantel Chiwara being crowned recently**

Patience Muchemwa

The election of a 25-year old councillor Shantel Yeukai Chiwara as Masvingo Mayor has stirred debate on social media.

Chiwara, who graduated from Bulawayo’s National University of Science and Technology, is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Management at the Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo.

Councillor Chiwara is a banker by profession and a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change.

However, her appointment as the new mayor for the country’s oldest city, Masvingo, has caused debate with some saying she is too young for the post while others support youth empowerment.

Section 272 (2) of the constitution says: “A person is qualified for election as the chairperson of a provincial council if he or she is qualified for election as a member of the Senate.”

Section 274 (2) says: “Urban council authorities are managed by councils composed of councillors elected in the urban areas concerned and presided over by elected Mayors or Chairpersons, by whatever name called.”

Chiwara was elected by the general public for her councillor’s position, implying she could be elected as mayor or provincial chairperson.

As long as the candidate being elected meets the criteria needed, he/she can qualify as a mayor or provincial council chairperson.

Some X users expressed different views:

@Cde_Ostallos: “We deployed Shantel Yeukai Chiwara as the youngest and first female mayor for the city of Masvingo.

It is crucial that young people and female politicians are actively included in the national development agenda as inclusivity remains our top priority.”

@Charambazezai: We want all youth to be motivated by their kin and this should show thru (sic) the support we give these youths to make sure they achieve in executing their mandate. We need to support them”

@nelsmatya: “While it’s commendable to give opportunities to our young people as well as propping about women to positions of power, this may be one of the ineffective councils in the country. Local govt requires craft, grit, experience and political clout which doesn’t come at 25yrs.”

@DhlalaGn: “Zimbabweans are experimenting again. I hope we won't regret. What are the experiments for, we have one life guys.”