Masvingo’s First Black Deputy Mayor Dies
Masvingo City’s first black mayor Alderman Phillip Debwe (76) has said.
Alderman Debwe succumbed to COVID-19 related complications at Rujeko isolation Centre on Monday where he had been admitted for quarantine for only a day.
Family spokesperson, Anthony Debwe, who is also his son, confirmed the death to Masvingo Mirror.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalised as the family has sent a letter to the government asking for the Alderman to be accorded a hero status. Said, Anthony:
He was a loving father and had so much interest in the development of the city. Senior officials in Masvingo are all agreed that he qualifies for hero status and we now await a response from the Government.
Alderman Debwe was born on 1 July 1945 in Masvingo. He was educated at Don Bosco Primary School and Gokomere Secondary School.
He was first elected as Ward 2 Councillor for Masvingo Municipal Council in November 1980.
In 1981 Debwe was elected deputy Mayor and served for three terms until 1984. In 1991 he became an alderman.
He sat on various committees including as chairman of the Health, Housing and Community Services Committee; Manpower Development Committee (member); Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee (member).
