About

Jacob Mafume was elected the Mayor of the City of Harare, Zimbabwe in December 2023. He is currently serving his second term, following his initial election in 2020 when he replaced the then mayor of Harare. A lawyer by profession, Mayor Mafume has been active in Zimbabwe’s civil society sector for over two decades and is part of the country’s political fabric – from the local to the national sphere. While studying at the University of Zimbabwe, he was the students’ union secretary general, where his political trajectory was shaped.

Under the leadership of Mayor Mafume, the capital city of Zimbabwe has started talks to construct a solar plant that will not only supply power to residents but also generate power for water and sewer treatment plants to deal with the infrastructural backlog. The mayor has also highlighted the importance of an improved mass public transport system in Harare, to alleviate the pressure on the road infrastructure and make transit easier for users. The human rights activist has been vocal that collaboration across political parties is necessary to ensure that communities receive quality services. He has led the charge restore the nation’s iconic and largest stadium, Rufaro, to its former glory.