Zimbo Mara Makunura is Rushmoor's 1st Female Black Mayor

Zimbo Mara Makunura is Rushmoor's 1st Female Black Mayor

In a groundbreaking achievement, Councillor Mara Makunura, originally from Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, has been elected as the Mayor of Rushmoor Borough in the United Kingdom.

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This historic election marks her as the first female and the first black African to hold this prestigious position.

Mara Makunura, who spent her early years in Chinhoyi, will now lead Rushmoor Borough from this year through to the next. Before stepping into her new role, she served as the deputy mayor, showcasing her dedication and leadership skills.

In her acceptance speech at the council’s annual meeting, Councillor Makunura emphasised the importance of leadership that mirrors the community's demographics.

“With our local census statistics evidencing that 52 percent of our Rushmoor population is female, it is crucial that our leadership reflects the diverse demographics of our community,” she stated.

Zimbo Mara Makunura is Rushmoor's 1st Female Black Mayor

Councillor Makunura is committed to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity within the Rushmoor Borough Council.

“Together, we will shatter the glass ceiling and pave the way for a more inclusive and representative leadership that truly represents the beautiful tapestry of our community,” she passionately declared.

Her journey from Chinhoyi to becoming a mayor in the UK is truly inspirational. Educated at Chikonohono Primary School and Nemakonde Secondary School in Zimbabwe, Mara moved to the UK in 1997 after marrying in 1996.

Her political career began to flourish in 2018 when she became the first person of African descent to be elected as a councillor in Rushmoor, Hampshire.

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Now, she has reached another historic milestone by becoming the first Black African female mayor of Rushmoor Borough, a testament to her perseverance and dedication.