Alice Mpofu-Coles, who grew up in Bulawayo's Matshobana suburb, is now the first Black female mayor of Reading in the United Kingdom. Her path started in Zimbabwe, where she worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as a diplomat in Yugoslavia. After moving to the UK, she earned a PhD from the University of Reading, focusing on migration and identity.
Her shift into local politics felt like a natural step. She won a council seat, became deputy mayor, and then made history with her current role. She frames the job as serving the entire community, not party interests. Her work often highlights charity efforts and fighting food poverty.
She remains closely connected to Zimbabwe. During a recent trip to Bulawayo, she met with Mayor David Coltart to discuss potential partnerships on climate research and business investment. Despite her position, she keeps her roots close, even joking about still loving traditional Zimbabwean meals.
Her advice to people back home, especially women and youth, emphasizes hard work and patience. She believes building networks is key, as a single connection can change a life's direction. Her story shows how the values learned in Matshobana can guide a journey to international civic leadership.
Her shift into local politics felt like a natural step. She won a council seat, became deputy mayor, and then made history with her current role. She frames the job as serving the entire community, not party interests. Her work often highlights charity efforts and fighting food poverty.
She remains closely connected to Zimbabwe. During a recent trip to Bulawayo, she met with Mayor David Coltart to discuss potential partnerships on climate research and business investment. Despite her position, she keeps her roots close, even joking about still loving traditional Zimbabwean meals.
Her advice to people back home, especially women and youth, emphasizes hard work and patience. She believes building networks is key, as a single connection can change a life's direction. Her story shows how the values learned in Matshobana can guide a journey to international civic leadership.
