From Workshop Owner to Parliamentarian: Brighton M...

From Workshop Owner to Parliamentarian: Brighton Mazhindu Dedicates Himself to Chitungwiza

Patience Muchemwa and Philemon Jambaya

Brighton Mazhindu, the Member of Parliament for St Mary’s Chitungwiza – who was elected in the August 2023 Harmonised Elections – has a remarkable journey that intertwines entrepreneurship, community service, and unwavering dedication to his hometown.

Born in 1975 in Dewedzo, Makoni District, Mazhindu’s roots lie in rural Zimbabwe. He spent his formative years in Ngwere Village before relocating to Harare in 1992 to complete his secondary education at Zengeza 2 High School. His pursuit of knowledge continued at Harare Polytechnic in 1998, where he equipped himself with valuable skills.

Following his studies, Mazhindu’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he opened his own workshop in St Mary's. This venture demonstrated his ability to take initiative and contribute to the local economy. However, his calling soon shifted towards a different path – public service.

The inspiration for this shift stemmed from his late uncle, Ramus Makuvaza, a founding member of the MDC party. Makuvaza’s influence on Mazhindu was profound, shaping his decision to enter the political arena and fight for the betterment of his community. Makuvaza’s guidance and mentorship proved invaluable before his passing in 2005.

Mazhindu’s political journey officially began in 2008 when he was elected councillor for Ward 3 in Chitungwiza Municipality under the MDC-T banner. This role placed him at the forefront of serving his community, allowing him to address their needs and concerns directly. However, his time as a councillor was not without challenges. He faced resistance from the ruling party, encountering obstacles and even experiencing personal attacks during election periods.

Despite these challenges, Mazhindu remained undeterred. In 2013, after the national elections, he joined forces with the Residents Associations in Chitungwiza. This platform provided him with an opportunity to advocate for residents’ rights on a wider scale. He actively pushed for development projects and played a pivotal role in successfully preventing the demolition of thousands of houses in Chitungwiza. This victory exemplified Mazhindu’s unwavering commitment to protecting the community he serves.

With his dedication and hard work, Mazhindu’s efforts transcended the role of a councillor. He earned the trust and respect of the people, paving the way for his next chapter – a seat in Parliament. As the elected MP for St Mary’s, Mazhindu is determined to tackle critical issues faced by the constituency. He prioritises addressing the water crisis, leveraging his position to engage with relevant ministries and stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.

Balancing the demands of his role with his personal life presents a challenge, as Mazhindu acknowledges. He prioritises his family and hopes for their understanding as he dedicates himself to his parliamentary duties.

Beyond his parliamentary work, Mazhindu’s passion extends to addressing the critical issue of drug and substance abuse among youth. He recognises the detrimental impact it has on the community and is actively working with various stakeholders, including churches, schools, and even former drug offenders, to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat this issue.

Additionally, his vision for establishing a soccer academy in St Mary’s reflects his commitment to providing positive outlets for young people, keeping them away from drugs and fostering a healthy lifestyle.