Opinion by Nigel Pfunde
As the year draws to an end this writer has decided to revisit the ‘hit or miss’ of selected legistators.
Gentle reader today I begin with Mabvuku–Tafara which is supritended by Member of Parliament Pedzai Scott Sakupwanya.
By and large in my opinion he ‘slayed’ and hit the bulls eye and was one of the outstanding performers if we look at the situation on the ground with no fear or favour!
If he ‘missed’ any development strategy ,I would compare him to his homeboy Wilfred Mugeyi who missed a goal pamberi peghedhi!!(in front of goal) against Egypt at AFCON 2024.
Beyond any reasonable doubt Sakupwanya has scored major developmental achievements and played the constituency development game in the same way his captain Walter Musona ran the game well to the extent of getting recognition from President Mnangagwa!
Sakupwanya has rolled out a wide range of community development initiatives that have improved access to health care, education, food security, transport and sports development across the constituency.
No doubt the champions Scottland FC were talk of the town!
Of course, the programmes were implemented through constituency structures and in collaboration with local stakeholders and were aimed at easing the cost of living and improving social welfare for vulnerable residents.
Health Sector
In the health sector, Sakupwanya has facilitated free medical treatment for disadvantaged community members including assistance with hospital bills, medication and emergency referrals. The intervention has enabled many residents who previously struggled to access health services to receive timely treatment.
Education Sector
Though he personally confessed to have NOT received much education to University level but he is a graduate of life and has an inherent gift of making money and giving back.
I vividly remember during the days of a youth empowerment outfit dubbed Upfumi Kuvadiki, Sakupwanya and company proposed youth empowerment initiatives that paid off.
In his portfolio as MP ,his assistance has boosted learner retention.
The legislator has also provided school fees assistance to pupils from underprivileged families, helping to reduce school drop out rates in Mabvuku–Tafara. The support has benefited both primary and secondary school learners ensuring continuity in education despite economic challenges.
Social welfare ,food aid for families in need
In this regard, I can say as part of his social protection initiatives, Sakupwanya has distributed food hampers to vulnerable households, particularly during periods of economic strain like during the Covid 19 period.
The food support programme helped cushion families against food insecurity and improved household nutrition.
He also helped entreprenuers who lost property in a fire that gutted an industrial area in Tafara.
Transport:
Sector:
After learning of transport challenges within the constituency especially by Mabvuku turn off, he installed traffic lights.
The spot had become a black spot ..siraha (butchery) chairo!
He went further to make transport available for community related activities including funerals, school events and development programmes.
The intervention in turn improved mobility and access to essential services for residents.
Youth and Sport sector
Thats his forte!
He made sure to champion investment in talent development after
recognising the role of sport in youth empowerment
Sakupwanya has supported local sports development initiatives by providing equipment and logistical assistance. The programme has created platforms for young people to nurture talent while promoting healthy lifestyles….after all health is wealth as my sister Makosi Musambasi would say!
In conclusion ,I say he made great contributions in devolopment of the neighbourhood he grew up in.
You can take Sakupwanya out of the hood (Mabvuku),but you cant take the hood out of him!
