Gweru Ends Leadership Limbo, Churu Appointed Substantive TC
Gweru City Council officially appoints Livingston Churu as substantive Town Clerk. After three years in an acting capacity, Churu's appointment is welcomed by resident groups seeking stability and improved service delivery in Zimbabwe's third-largest city. On January 22, 2026, the City of Gweru confirmed Livingston Churu as its substantive Town Clerk, ending a three-year leadership transition. Churu, formerly the Director of Finance, had been acting in the role since February 2023. His appointment followed a rigorous multi-stage interview process involving the Local Government Board. Both the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) and local group Gweru 054 have expressed optimism, citing Churu’s existing knowledge of the city's infrastructure challenges and financial needs as a "blessing" for administrative continuity.
Delicious Mathuthu 
Gweru - Zimbabwe's third largest city, Gweru, has officially appointed Livingston Churu as its substantive Town Clerk, ending nearly three years on an acting capacity, the council announced on Thursday January 22, 2026.
Churu, who has served as acting Town Clerk since February 2023 following the suspension of his predecessor, Vakai Chikwekwe, was confirmed for the position after a second round of interviews n Harare.
He previously held the role of Director of Finance at the council, overseeing budgeting and revenue operations in the Midlands Province capital.
"The Mayor of the City of Gweru, Councillor (Martin) Chivhoko, Councillors, Chamber Secretary Mr. (Owen) Masimba, and Management are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. L. Churu as the substantive Town Clerk of the City of Gweru," the council said in a notice.
"We warmly congratulate Mr. Churu on this appointment and look forward to his leadership in driving the city's development forward!" They said.
The Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) welcomed the move, describing it as a positive development in strengthening administrative continuity and improving service delivery in Gweru.
"Mr. Churu has previously served the city in various capacities, including as acting Town Clerk and Director of Finance, where he played a key role in managing council operations and addressing administrative challenges," GRRA said in a statement.
"His leadership during this transitional period has been noteworthy and demonstrates his commitment to the well-being and development of our city."
"...As residents and ratepayers, we look forward to working collaboratively with Mr. Churu to tackle pressing issues that affect our daily lives, including service delivery, financial accountability, infrastructure improvements, and transparent governance," the organisation said
Gweru 054, one of local residents' group, also congratulated Churu, noting his familiarity with community concerns from his acting tenure.
"#054 can confirm that Gweru City now has a substantive Town Clerk in Mr. Churu our previously Acting TC," the group said in a statement from its chair, Farai Kalubi.
"This follows a 2nd round of interviews where he was initially unsuccessful.
We have had our fights with him, but it's only fair to say every man deserves a 2nd chance. We wish him the very best," Kalubi said in the statement.
The group pledged support, saying Churu is already savvy on issues bedevelling the city.
"With his knowledge of all issues we have raised to him during his acting tenure, we shall start seeing real and solid decisions coming from his office.
"In a way, it comes as a blessing because we do not have to revisit our long list of complaints and indeed our wish-list." He said.
Churu's appointment comes amid efforts to stabilize local governance in Gweru, which has faced challenges including economic instability and service delivery issues.
The city aims to become a "Sustainable Prosperous City of Choice by 2030," according to council documents.
Town clerks in Zimbabwe are interviewed through a multi-stage process involving the specific local authority/council and the Local Government Board (LGB), often supported by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
While initial interviews may be conducted by the council's Human Resources and General Purposes Committee, the final selection and approval of the candidate are done by the Local Government Board.
