By Blackson Mkupatira

Dedza, August 2, Mana: Dedza District Council Monday elected Councillor for Thiwi Ward, Themuka Nkhwewu as the new Council Chairperson and Councillor for Magomero ward, Shyreen Gamulani as Vice Council Chairperson.

Nkhwewu won after gaining seven out of the 18 votes, defeating Joseph Kwenda (6), Isaac Ziyaya (2), Gift Balaka (1), and Stanley Manase (1), whereas Gamulani amassed 10 out of the 19 votes casted to defeat Joseph Kwenda (7), and Numerie Kanjere (2).

In his acceptance speech, Nkhwewu who has taken over from Councillor Francis Chimpikizo pledged to strengthen the relationship between the council's elected members and secretariat, promote professionalism among council staff for better service delivery and to push for timely completion of developmental projects in the districts.

"I am very happy and thankful to my fellow councillors for having faith in me to lead them as the new chairperson," Nkhwewu said, who also served as the council chairperson in 2020.

On her part, Gamulani said she would use her newly acquired position to transform the lives of her fellow women in the district socio-economically by ensuring that they are given equal opportunities as men and include them in decision making and developmental activities taking place in the district.

"Most of the times women do not hold leadership positions because people think that women cannot perform as men. I am glad I have been given this chance, I hope to deliver," she said.

District Commissioner (DC) for Dedza, Thomas Chigwenembe advised council members to render their full support to the newly elected members for development to flourish.