Zanu-PF vice chair steps down

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial vice chair Ailess Baloyi has relinquished his post in the ruling party after his appointment as the new chief executive for Chiredzi Rural District Council, since senior executives of local authorities cannot, under the Constitution, hold office in political parties.

The party's leadership here led by provincial chair Ezra Chadzamira has already accepted the resignation of Baloyi (52) and a replacement will be chosen in due course.

Baloyi takes over from Dr Isaac Matsilele, who resigned from the local authority to pursue a higher office in local government.

This is Baloyi's second stint as the chief executive for Chiredzi RDC having occupied the same position from 2005 to 2008 before he quit to pursue political office.

Baloyi said yesterday: "I have already started work at Chiredzi RDC and I am raring to go. I notified my boss (Chadzamira) about my decision to step down as Zanu-PF vice chair for Masvingo in line with the national constitution, so I am no longer the vice chair in the province."

Baloyi said his decision to rejoin Chiredzi RDC was motivated by his desire to serve the people and to ensure the attainment of Vision 2030 enunciated by President Mnangagwa. He was born and raised in rural Chiredzi.

"I am inspired by the desire to serve my people, especially now that we have the devolution programme, which gives people at the grassroots power to choose their developmental priorities in their localities," said Baloyi.

"I will work to the best of my ability to make sure communities under Chiredzi RDC develop in line with Government's 2030 agenda."

Baloyi pledged to work with Chiredzi RDC councillors and the greater community to come up with developmental priorities for the area. He holds bachelor's degrees in public administration and English and communication and is studying towards an MBA.