Mhetu touchbases with his constituency

Residents of Epworth and surrounding areas may not know the origins of this unique settlement where the famous balancing rocks stand — a national symbol featured on Zimbabwe’s currency and recognised for its monumental heritage value. Part of this former Methodist Church missionary land was donated to the newly established local board in 1986 as rural‑urban migration increased and people settled on land they now call home. Today, Epworth is ranked as the fifth most populous peri‑urban location around Harare.


Understanding this history is essential in appreciating the contested issues of land ownership and political competition in the area. Both the ruling party and the opposition seek influence in Epworth. Yet in Epworth North, one man continues to stand out — Hon Zivai Mhetu, who has become a beacon of hope, unity and development through his non‑discriminatory approach as the constituency’s representative in the Parliament of Zimbabwe.

In the 2023 harmonised elections, Hon Mhetu represented the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), while Cde Taurai Kandishaya stood for Zanu‑PF. Epworth North was a newly created seat after delimitation, and Mhetu, a young businessman, made history as its inaugural MP after securing a majority vote. He was duly announced under Electoral Law Notices as the new Member of Parliament for the constituency.

Since then, Hon Mhetu has consistently attended feedback meetings, navigating local authority and central government bureaucracy to push for development in Epworth North. On Saturday, 15 August 2026, this reporter witnessed him conducting three consecutive feedback meetings across wards 1, 6 and 7.

Unlike some MPs and councillors who expect royal treatment at such gatherings, Hon Mhetu centred his leadership on the people. He invited residents to list the challenges they face before responding — a refreshing shift in approach.

Residents raised several issues, including lack of access to clean water, poor roads, unpegged residential stands and high maternity fees charged by local authority clinics.

Hon Mhetu told residents that through Parliament he had been pushing for water to be drawn from Kunzvi Dam. He said four kilometres of pipeline had already been completed, with a further 18 kilometres set for installation. As a short‑term measure, he secured donations from friends and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to drill boreholes in all three wards. Six boreholes have been drilled — two per ward.

“This is a stop‑gap measure, but very soon you will be flourishing in clean and safe water from Kunzvi Dam because your MP is working 24 hours so that you get clean and safe water,” Hon Mhetu said, drawing ululation from the crowd.

On roads, he informed residents that Delport Road was being resurfaced, which would temporarily ease transport challenges for commuters and service providers.

Hon Mhetu also promised mothers that he would push “till death” for the scrapping of maternity fees at local clinics, describing them as unaffordable. “In the meantime, I will make sure that the fee is reduced drastically down to say US$10,” he said.

He assured residents that he was working to ensure the local board’s housing department urgently pegs homesteads and that no demolitions would occur until every household is regularised.

When asked about electricity shortages, Hon Mhetu said priority had been given to electrifying schools to give children a digital advantage. “In this digital age, kids need electricity to be on their computers and learn smart. We have completed electrifying Mabvazuva School and will do the same in wards 1 and 6. After that, we will push for broader home electrifications,” he said.

With unemployment affecting Epworth, Hon Mhetu updated residents on plans to build a vocational college for youth, young women and mothers. He said well‑wishers abroad had pledged support, but the local board had delayed allocating land. “Once completed and citizens are empowered, I, your representative, will be responsible for your job placements,” he said.

Parents raised concerns about children under BEAM being sent home for unpaid fees due to delayed government disbursements. Hon Mhetu vowed to push government to release funds before schools open. “No child under BEAM should be sent home for not paying school fees because it is not their responsibility,” he said.

He also warned against drug and substance abuse and said he was engaging partners to build a rehabilitation centre.

As in wards 1 and 6, Hon Mhetu informed residents that government had donated 60 bags of rice for distribution. In ward 7, the final distribution was conducted transparently with the help of marshals and constituency leaders.

As darkness approached around 5pm, Hon Mhetu waved goodbye, promising to return regularly with updates on new developments.

This report contributes to broader discussions around constituency development and community‑centred leadership.