Honourable Mhetu: man of the people

Born to a peasant farmer in rural Masvingo, a young Zivanai Mhetu, then 29, set out on a mission to become a representative of the people. Confronted by high levels of poverty, unemployment and policy inconsistencies, he believed politics was the most effective route to help emancipate communities from the challenges he witnessed.


In his early years, Mhetu ventured into retail business to empower himself before tackling broader community issues. Among the problems he identified were public transport shortages affecting business, poor road networks, inflation, Government policies out of touch with public aspirations, power outages and outdated policing systems requiring modernisation. He also emphasised the need for infrastructural development and a strong economy capable of competing with major eastern powers.

Guided by his mission to become a voice for ordinary citizens, Honourable Mhetu contested the 2023 harmonised elections and won the Epworth North Constituency seat convincingly. He is regarded as a shrewd and decisive politician and businessman who is well travelled and experienced.

His curriculum vitae reflects a man with both intellectual and leadership acumen. He is a former University of Zimbabwe Student Executive Council Vice President (2015), former National Spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Students Union (2016), Member of Parliament for CCC (2023) and shadow Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development. He is also a self‑made businessman and former MDC provincial chairman (2021).

Hon Mhetu holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (UZ, 2017), a Master’s in Public Policy and Governance (Africa University, 2021) and is currently a Doctor of Public Administration candidate at the University of Fort Hare.

Reflecting on his journey, Mhetu said he only came to Harare after completing his Ordinary Level education. “I came here as a teenager and set out on a mission to represent the people. It was a journey worth taking,” he said. “I had to equip myself with knowledge and business skills to embark on this journey, and so far it has worked. I give thanks to the Almighty.”

At the end of 2025, Hon Mhetu officiated at a function where he electrified an entire secondary school in his constituency. Working with the community, he also blasted a road blocked by large rocks to improve transport access, using both personal resources and constituency development funds.

Now 44 years old, Honourable Mhetu boasts several business interests in retail, hospitality and property. He says he is a man of his word — and only the sky is the limit.

His story contributes to broader discussions around emerging political leadership and community‑driven development.