MANDARA ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ZONE LEADERS

The jurisdiction of Mandara Association of Residents and Ratepayers (MARR) covers the quiet suburb best known as Mandara with eight (8) geographical community zones in the Harare City Council.

1. Objectives

The objectives of MARR are:

1. Non-partisan and shall not be affiliated to nor serve the interests of any political party.
2. To promote the wellbeing and quality of life and represent the interests of the residents living in the 'area of benefit' by acting as a collective voice in matters which affect their rights regarding the management, maintenance and improvements of their homes, local amenities and the local environment in consultation with Harare City Council and other service providers.

2. Aims

The aims of MARR are to:

1. Represent the interest of members.
2. Ensure that all members are consulted regularly and that all residents eligible for membership are encouraged to join in.
3. Promote community, social, educational and other such activities that is valuable to the residents of the area.
4. Advocate for Improvement of facilities such as electricity, environmental protection, health, infrastructure development, roads, security, social services, sporting and recreational, water supply and sanitation.
5. Help build a good relationship between residents, Harare City Council and other relevant stakeholders.
6. Encourage a sense of community by encouraging mutual respect and tolerance and promoting a multi-racial society and opposing racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination and harassment.

3. Roles of a Community Zone Leader

A community zone leader plays a crucial role in connecting residents within a specific geographic area, facilitating communication between community members and larger organization (MARR), identifying local needs, mobilizing residents to address issues, and advocating for their community's interests at MARR level, essentially acting as a bridge between the zone community and MARR support systems at large.

The leader may be elected or appointed at the zonal community and then co-opted into the MARR Executive Committee.

Key roles of a community zone leader include:

1. Supporting MARR objectives and Aims
   1. Promote MARR Aims: Support the initiatives, policies, and objectives of the Mandara Residents Association, ensuring that residents within their zone are aware of and follow the association's guidelines.
   2. Implement Association Decisions: Help with the implementation of decisions made by the broader MARR, ensuring that policies are communicated effectively to residents.
   3. Attend Meetings: Participate in MARR meetings, providing updates on the status of their zone, presenting reports, and helping with decision-making processes.
   4. Assist in Strategic Planning: Provide input on long-term planning for the development and well-being of the community.
2. Community Engagement:
   1. Organizing community meetings and events to discuss local issues and concerns.
   2. Facilitating dialogue and building consensus among diverse community members.
   3. Raising awareness about important community initiatives and programs.
   4. In supporting neighbours, community leaders might:
      1. provide ideas to help neighbours re-think, re-imagine and re-purpose their neighbourhood,
      2. provide information about how they might get started or address challenges,
      3. provide information related to municipal practices including how to lawfully navigate by-laws, seek permits, the different municipal departments that they may need to engage with,
      4. provide services or assistance that goes beyond just providing the information but that actually provides step-by-step help with implementation,
      5. provide advice about different ways to accomplish the desired outcome of an activity.
3. Needs Assessment:
   1. Identifying critical local needs and priorities through surveys, focus groups, and community observations.
   2. Gathering data on demographics, social issues, and access to services within the zone.
4. Resource Mobilization:
   1. Connecting residents with available resources and support services from government agencies, NGOs, private organizations and individuals.
   2. Identifying potential funding opportunities and advocating for resource allocation to address community needs.
5. Advocacy and Representation:
   1. Communicating community concerns and priorities to decision-makers at the local and MARR level.
   2. Representing the interests of their zone in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   1. Tracking the progress of community initiatives and projects implemented within the zone.
   2. Assessing the effectiveness of programs and identifying areas for improvement.

4. Important Factors for a Successful Community Zone Leader

1. Strong communication skills:Ability to listen actively, clearly convey information, and build trust with diverse community members.
2. Interpersonal skills:Building relationships, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts effectively.
3. Leadership qualities:Inspiring others, motivating action, and providing direction.
4. Community knowledge:Deep understanding of the social, economic, and cultural dynamics within the zone.
5. Problem-solving abilities:Analyzing complex issues, identifying solutions, and coordinating implementation strategies.