Zimbabwe’s Alice Mpofu Appointed Reading’s First Black Female Mayor in UK
Zimbabwe’s Alice Mpofu Appointed Reading’s First Black Female Mayor in UK – A remarkable chapter has been written in the diaspora journey of a Zimbabwean woman who has defied odds and risen to the highest civic post in Reading, United Kingdom.
Alice Mpofu-Coles, originally from Zimbabwe, has been appointed as the first Black female mayor of Reading, a historic milestone for both the town and the broader African diaspora community in the UK.
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Her appointment was confirmed during an annual council meeting held on Wednesday, May 21, at Reading’s Town Hall.
Mpofu-Coles arrived in the UK during the 1990s as a refugee fleeing political and personal adversity back home.
Reflecting on her journey in her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated mayor shared her humble beginnings: “I arrived here broken, like every refugee. I lost everything I believed in. I slept on sofas, but I carried on with dignity.”
Her resilience shone through as she credited the Reading Refugee Support Group for helping her rebuild.
She also honoured immigrants contributing to vital sectors like the NHS, noting their impact on her own life during her battle with aggressive breast cancer.
In 2019, she released her memoir titled Dear God from Your Poached Egg Breast, chronicling her life in Zimbabwe, her cancer journey, and her deep-rooted faith in God.
Before settling in Reading, Mpofu-Coles had served as a diplomat in the former Yugoslavia. In a light-hearted recollection, she shared how she mistakenly packed high heels for a snowy Balkan winter — a reminder of her diplomatic beginnings and unyielding spirit.
Since 2021, she has been elected three times consecutively as a Labour councillor for Whitley ward, a testament to her strong connection with the local community.
“I thank Almighty God for His grace, and I’m profoundly grateful to the residents of Reading for welcoming me,” she said emotionally.
The inauguration ceremony was marked with cultural richness, including a traditional Zimbabwean dance by Musa Madonda, and a moving performance of A Song of Hope by local schoolchildren.
Alice Mpofu-Coles is married to Wayne Coles and has two adult children.
