Bulawayo Welcomes Reading UK Mayor for Historic Cooperation Talks

December 17, 2025 | Local Government & International Relations

In a landmark meeting that bridges the gap between the Zimbabwean diaspora and local governance, Dr. Alice Mpofu Coles, the Mayor of Reading (UK), paid a courtesy call on Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart on December 16, 2025.

The visit was more than a formal greeting; it marked a historic homecoming for Dr. Mpofu Coles, who is Zimbabwe-born and the first Black female to hold the mayoral office in Reading. Her return to Bulawayo serves as a powerful symbol of hope for minority groups and a testament to the potential of diaspora engagement.

A Vision for Urban Transformation

The discussions, which included Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube, focused on moving beyond pleasantries to establish concrete institutional collaborations. As a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Reading, Dr. Mpofu Coles brings a unique blend of academic rigour and civic leadership to the table.

Strategic Areas of Cooperation

The meeting highlighted several key pillars for future partnership:

• Research & Innovation: Leveraging academic links to solve urban challenges.

• Business Development: Creating investment linkages between Reading and Bulawayo.

• Knowledge Exchange: Sharing best practices in urban planning and “Smart City” initiatives.

• Institutional Strengthening: Rebuilding international municipal relationships to end decades of isolation.

The City of Bulawayo is currently working toward a vision of becoming a smart, transformative city by 2040, and this partnership is viewed as a practical step toward that goal. Both mayors have agreed to exchange formal letters to outline the specific frameworks of this budding partnership.

Career History: Dr. Alice Mpofu Coles

Dr. Mpofu Coles’ journey from Zimbabwe to the mayoral office in the UK is defined by a commitment to social justice and academic excellence. Her professional trajectory includes:

• Mayor of Reading (UK): Currently serving as the first Black female mayor in the borough’s history.

• Senior Research Fellow: Academic lead at the University of Reading, specializing in human geography, migration, and identity.

• Published Researcher: Noted for her work on the experiences of refugees and the Zimbabwean diaspora in the United Kingdom.

• Civic Advocate: Long-term involvement in community organizing and representation for minority groups in Berkshire.

• Humanitarian Contributor: Decades of experience bridging the gap between social policy and grassroots community needs.

Timeline of Events

• December 16, 2025: Dr. Alice Mpofu Coles meets Senator David Coltart and Christopher Dube at Bulawayo City Hall.

• December 16, 2025 (13:45 GMT): The City of Bulawayo publishes official photos and a statement on X (formerly Twitter) detailing the meeting.

Key Players at the Meeting

• Dr. Alice Mpofu Coles: Mayor of Reading, UK; Senior Research Fellow at University of Reading; first Black female mayor in Reading.

• Senator David Coltart: Mayor of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

• Christopher Dube: Town Clerk, City of Bulawayo.

“My election serves as a symbol of hope. Returning home to Bulawayo to discuss how our two cities can grow together is a moment of immense joy and potential.” — Dr. Alice Mpofu Coles