Gwanda Town Clerk Speaks Out ♦ NEWLY-APPOINTED Gwanda Town Clerk Priscilla Nkala has spoken out on her contentious ascendancy to power, saying she qualifies for the job despite coming fourth in interviews held earlier this year. Speaking at a welcoming party hosted for her by the municipality of Gwanda last Thursday, Nkala, a holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree with the University of Zimbabwe and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with the Midlands State University, said it was a great honour to her to be elevated into the town’s top position. “A lot has been said about me in the media, some of it true, but some of it false. I applied for the post and was successful,” she said. Nkala’s name was reportedly bulldozed to the final shortlist by Zanu PF councillors after the interviewing panel selected Thuso Maphala, Levis Maphosa and Lot Mpande as the most successful candidates. However, Nkala maintained she deserved the job, having worked in the municipality for almost a decade now. “When the post of the town clerk was advertised I said to myself how can we allow outsiders to apply for the post when we have similar qualifications?” she continued. Born in Matshetsheni Village in Gwanda North, Nkala attended Nkazhe Secondary School before going to J Z Moyo High School for Advanced Levels. She then proceeded to the University of Zimbabwe where she studied BA. “I wanted to study law or human resources, but because of the stiff competition then I did not meet the grade and finally opted for a degree in arts,” Nkala said. After acquiring the degree, Nkala was appointed as a community oficer in the municipality of Gwanda in 2005. Nkala was elevated to the post of chamber secretary last year after the previous MDC-led council refused to endorse her appointment, arguing she was a Zanu PF apologist, leading to the suspension of then Gwanda mayor Lionel De Necker. Nkala conceded the municipality was reeling under serious financial problems owing to the liquidity crunch prevailing in the country, but promised to work hard to improve service delivery. “Everything is at a standstill but the growth of the town is everyone’s responsibility, if our counterparts Beitbridge and Plumtree are running smoothly how then can we fail?” she asked. “Let us work as a team and trust each other.” Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs minister, Abedinico Ncube, who was guest of honour, said Nkala’s appointment was a sign that she has been doing well. He challenged her to improve service delivery, maintain roads, improve street lighting and clear the long housing waiting list. ~Southern Eye
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 04:08:29 +0000