Zimbabwean elected councilor in Canada

A Zimbabwean-born development expert, Kuthula Matshazi, has won an election in the land of the Inuit in Iqaluit, the largest city and capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut.

Matshazi, who noted that he is the first black person to be elected councilor in the city, was among eight people that were elected in a tight race Monday night.

He said, “I came out number five out of nine contestants. I got 1,189 votes and I think the top person got 1,333 votes which means I have been elected councilor for the city of Iqualuit.

“I feel very good about it. I am happy that I am going to be representing the interests of the residents. I want to advance their agenda and ensure that whatever they say I would take them to council to make sure that their voices are heard and their problems are solved.”

He encouraged Zimbabweans to always look forward to meeting their goals in everything they do. “You can dream and aspire and be what you want to be. It also shows that you can sell your dream and people can believe in you.

“And I urge a lot of our aspiring public servants to go out there and sell their messages and if they do sell their messages effectively they can be voted into power and if they get into office they should use that opportunity to further the interests of residents.”

Matshazi left Zimbabwe for Canada 14 years ago and is currently living with his family in the city of about 7,000 residents. VOA