The City of Bulawayo has been plunged into mourning following the death of former deputy mayor, Alderman Amen Mpofu.
Alderman Mpofu who was elected into council office in 2003, died Friday at a local hospital after battling a kidney ailment.
In a statement, Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor Solomon Mguni, said Alderman Mpofu’s death left a vacuum that will not be easily filled.
“The City has learnt with sadness on the passing on of Alderman Amen Mpofu on Friday, 1 October 2021,” he said.
“Alderman Mpofu was elected as Ward 2 Councillor and was sworn into office on the 2nd September 2003 and re-elected on the 2nd April 2008 for the 2008 to 2013 term of office.”
It was during his tenure, that Alderman Mpofu served as a Deputy Mayor of the City of Bulawayo from 2008 to 2013.
According to the mayor, Alderman Mpofu served in various Council Committees as follows:-“Town Lands and Planning Committee (2012-2013), Finance and Development (2003-2008), (2008-2013), Health, Housing and Education (2003-2008) and (2008-2012), Future Water Supplies and Water Action (2003-2008) and General Purpose (2008).”
Alderman Mpofu also represented the local authority in various outside bodies and committees which included the Local Authorities Pension Fund Board of Trustees from 2003/2004, served in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Development Committee 2008/2009 and was part of the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe Committee 2008/2009.
He also served in Bulawayo Twinning Committee in 2008/2009 and the Zimbabwe Urban Councils Workers Union: Works Council in 2008/2009.
The mayor said Mpofu was elevated to the dignity of Alderman on May 14, 2018, “a fitting status for a dedicated son of Bulawayo who worked tirelessly to represent the underprivileged members of our society.”
“His death comes as a shock and has left a vacuum which the City will not be able to fill for many years to come. The City has lost a gallant son and dedicated leader,” stated Cllr Mguni.
On behalf of the council, Cllr Mguni said the local authority was at a loss as Alderman Mpofu’s wisdom would be missed.
“His Worship Solomon Mguni, the Mayor, Aldermen, Councillors of the City of Bulawayo, Town Clerk, Mr C Dube, Heads of Council Departments, Staff and residents wish to convey our profound condolences to the Mpofu family.
May his soul Rest In Peace,” said the mayor.
