Still waters run deep, a gentle giant gone too soon – Alderman Shepard Howera
On the 4th of April in 1974 the Howeras were blessed with a son who was delivered at the Roman Catholic run St Barbaras Hospital in Ward 13 of Mutasa District.
They named him Shepard as if they knew he was going to be a shepherd, not of livestock but, of a troubled and oppressed people seeking a better life for themselves and their children. Today his flock has been left shepherdless.
He was the seventh born in a family of 8. Shepard went to Berthania Primary school before he proceeded to Sherukuru school for his secondary education up to O level. He went to Harare where he had a stint in the Ministry of Transport. He trekked back to his roots in 2006 and his return coincided with local government elections that were to be held that year. This was a period only the brave could dare step forward and present themselves as candidates for the opposition. Doing so was akin to commiting suicide because Zanu PF then, just as now, did not take lightly anyone who was prepared to challenge their stranglehold on power. Shepard, a quiet, thoughtful, determined and courageous 32 years young man became the pioneer opposition Councillor for ward 15 Mudzindiko in Mutasa district together with 3 others – Ward 8 (Sahumani) Clr Aaron Kamhungira, Ward 18 (Dunsinane-Sheba) Alderman Ringoziwa and Ward 2’s (Penhalonga Tsvingwe) Clr Machiriri in the 31-seat Zanu PF dominated council. Clr Howera served in the Road Works and Planning committee where he distinguished himself as a focused, knowledgeable and steady leader. He put the experience he had gained from the Min of Transport to good use. His performance, recognised by his peers, was to take him to greater heights in the coming years.
In 2008 Clr Howera was retained as the MDC candidate for Ward 15 and he romped to victory past Zanu PF with ease. Mutasa Central recorded a clean sweep of the 12 seats, Mutasa North won 12 of the 13 seats whilst in Mutasa South MDC won 4 of the 6 seats to give an overwhelming majority of 28 versus 3 for Zanu PF. At its first sitting of council in 2008 Shepard was elected by his peers to shepherd the Mutasa RDC as Council Chairperson. The period under his stewardship saw Mutasa District experiencing unprecedented levels of progress and development. This was underpinned by professionalism, respect for diversity and allowing professionals at council to execute their mandate without undue political influence.
Clr Howera took over a broke Council in 2008 during the worst hyperinflation era in the history of our country and the world. He led with wisdom and passion, setting council on a recovery path that saw staff retention, improved systems, purchase of utility vehicles and motorbikes, road equipment (grader), installation of a backup generator at the council offices and computerisation of the Registry department. He oversaw the construction and renovations of health facilities at Nyamukwara and Tsvingwe. Grading of and maintenance of roads became priorities at council and construction of bridges were undertaken. Examples include Mapfekera-Njerama road on Nyadera River (ward15) and Ward 6’s (Gatsi ) Buyoyo causeway. His new position allowed him to sit in all committees hence he was able to guide development in all spheres of life throughout the district. He pushed for the establishment of Berthania Secondary, Saruwaka Primary and facilitated Primrose Pre-schools during his tenure. In Agriculture and self sustenance programs he invited the Irrigation department and Mudzindiko irrigation scheme was surveyed. It is now awaiting funding by the government but all the paperwork has been approved.
Unfortunately the coming of 2013 and the electoral disaster suffered by MDC led to the change of guard at Mutasa RDC. Clr Howera routinely won his seat but due to the slight majority of 16 to 15 Zanu PF took the chairmanship. Politics of development, respect and tolerance were replaced with politics of partisanship, interference with professional conduct of business at council and outright politicization of council business. Life was never the same and Mutasa as a district has regressed ever since.
In December 2016 Clr Howera was accorded his status as an Alderman after diligently serving MRDC for 10years.
In 2018 Alderman Howera again retained his seat which he held until the day we lost him at Bonda Hospital on Friday the 9th of April, only 5 days after his 48th birthday.
At the Party level he served as the Provincial Secretary for Local government from 2014 to 2019.
Alderman Howera was a rare breed of a leader. Sambiri was a humble man, an individual who listened more than he spoke, a remarkable Clr, an unassuming community member, a dedicated activist, an unapologetic democrat and patriot who loved his country so much that he was prepared to go through hell so that Zimbabwe becomes a better place to live in.
Alderman Shepard Howera believed that one day Zimbabwe is going to come right. He believed Zimbabweans are going to enjoy freedom in their own motherland and Zimbabwe is going to prosper under a new government. He believed that Zanu PF is going to leave office and allow capable people to run this country. He believed in Change not for sake of it but real change.
His loss is, not only to his immediate family but, to Ward 15, Rusanhi area, Mutasa Central Constituency, Mutasa District, Manicaland and Zimbabwe.
Alderman Howera is survived by his wife and 4 children (3 daughters – Cathrine, Mutsa, Nokutenda and a son, Wayne).
He is also survived by Ward 15, Mutasa Central Constituency and Mutasa District.
Go well Sambiri. We are going to fondly remember you.
By
Trevor Saruwaka
