Woman rises from Bulawayo streets to Read­ing may­oral offices

On the sun-drenched, dusty streets of Bulawayo's Matshobana suburb, few could have imagined that one of their own would one day drape the heavy gold mayoral chain around her neck in a historic English town thousands of kilometres away. Yet from these humble beginnings emerged Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles - the first Black female mayor of Reading in Berkshire, United Kingdom - a woman whose life journey reads like a story of grit, grace and quiet determination.

Born at Mpilo Central Hospital and raised in Matshobana, Mpofu-Coles grew up in a disciplined household anchored by hope and strong values. Her father worked for the National Railways of Zimbabwe, and although the family lived modestly, it was rich in principles that would later define her path.

"We were taught to believe in ourselves and to face challenges head-on. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my life," she recalls.

Those lessons of perseverance would become crucial. One of five children, Mpofu-Coles is now the sole surviving sibling, having endured the profound loss of her brothers, sisters and parents. In the midst of grief, education became both refuge and ladder — a means of survival and transformation. She began her schooling at Gampu Primary School before proceeding to Mzilikazi High School, where her global aspirations first took shape.

"A life must be anchored on values, principles and convictions. They become your compass when the road gets tough," she reflects.

Her professional journey started in Zimbabwe's public service, first in the records and filing department of the Ministry of Justice, before moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Harare. That transition opened the door to the world. Posted to Yugoslavia — now Serbia — she served for several years as a diplomat, gaining international exposure before eventually relocating to the United Kingdom, which she now proudly calls home.

In Britain, Mpofu-Coles refused to slow down. Instead, she reinvented herself academically and professionally, pursuing advanced studies that culminated in a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Reading. Her research focused on identity, migration and the intergenerational experiences of young Zimbabweans growing up in the British diaspora — themes deeply intertwined with her own life story.

This work, grounded in social justice and inclusion, was further shaped by her personal experience as a cancer survivor. Working closely with the National Health Service (NHS) during her treatment strengthened her resolve to advocate for marginalised and migrant communities.

"My research uses participatory approaches that value community knowledge and lived experiences. It's about embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do," she says.

Now a community researcher associate and research fellow at the University of Reading, Mpofu-Coles plays a central role in shaping the institution's race equality agenda. Her academic credentials also include a Master's degree in International Relations, specialising in diplomacy and conflict resolution, as well as advanced studies in forced migration at Oxford University's International Summer School.

Her transition from academia and activism into politics was a natural evolution.

"I've always been politically aware and inclined towards activism. When my children grew up and I had more time, I decided to get more involved," she explains.

Her political rise was swift. She won a council seat, was elected deputy mayor, and then made history as the first Black woman to become mayor of Reading. Despite the milestone, she emphasises that the office transcends party politics.

"I serve everyone in our town because I am the mayor for everyone in Reading," she says.

Her tenure has been marked by compassion, extensive charity work and a strong focus on tackling food poverty.

Yet even as she serves in Berkshire, her heart remains firmly connected to Zimbabwe. During a recent visit to Bulawayo, Mpofu-Coles met with the city's mayor, Councillor David Coltart, to explore partnerships between the two cities. Discussions ranged from climate change research and business exchange programmes to tourism and investment opportunities.

"Bulawayo has so much potential. People in the UK are always fascinated when they see the jacaranda trees behind me on Zoom. It makes them curious about the city," she notes.

Despite her global stature and mayoral status, Mpofu-Coles remains grounded and proudly Zimbabwean.

"People think I eat fancy food, but I love sadza with amathumbu enkomo, umxhanxa and groundnuts. I still eat them in the UK," she laughs.

Her message to young people and women back home is both realistic and inspiring.

"Success doesn't happen overnight. Work hard, be patient and never underestimate the power of networking. Sometimes one connection can change your entire life," she says.

It is a fitting conclusion from a woman who has shown that no matter how far one travels, the values of home remain the truest compass.