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iverpool City Council has formally welcomed Councillor Zeli Munjiza to the chamber following her induction as the newly elected representative for South Ward.
Mayor Ned Mannoun welcomed her to Council, describing the moment as an important milestone in local governance and community representation. He said each councillor carries both responsibility and trust when stepping into public office.
“It is my great pleasure as Mayor of Liverpool to welcome Councillor Zeli Munjiza to this Council chamber and to the shared responsibility of serving our city,” Mayor Mannoun said. “While we may come from different political parties, we are united by something far more important: a commitment to work collaboratively, respectfully, and constructively to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people of Liverpool.”
He said Liverpool’s cultural and social diversity remains one of its defining features, with more than 150 ethnicities represented across the city. According to him, that diversity is also reflected in the Council itself, shaping discussions and decisions at the local level.
“Our governing body brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and your election further strengthens that reflection of the community we serve,” he said.
Mayor Mannoun also noted that Councillor Munjiza joins Council at a busy time, with councillors currently considering the upcoming budget and longer-term planning for the city. He said Liverpool continues to position itself as an educational, entertainment and commercial centre with a growing global profile, and that careful decision-making will be required to support that direction.
Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Officer Jason Breton formally acknowledged Councillor Munjiza’s arrival on behalf of the organisation, marking the start of her role within the city’s governing body.
“Today marks the beginning of her service as part of the governing body of Liverpool City Council, and we are proud to have her at the table where the future of our city is shaped,” Mr Breton said.
He added that councillors are responsible for setting the direction of Council through its policies and decisions, while staff are tasked with delivering those decisions across the community.
Mr Breton also spoke about the importance of collaboration between elected representatives and Council staff, describing it as central to effective local government. He noted a shared personal connection with Councillor Munjiza, with both having grown up in Liverpool.
“Those experiences shape how we approach this work and who we serve,” he said. “Councillors and staff alike are united by a desire to build a stronger, fairer Liverpool, not just for today, but for future generations.”
Councillor Munjiza thanked residents of South Ward for their support at the recent by-election and said she was committed to representing the community with focus and consistency.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the residents of South Ward for placing their trust in me at such an important time for our community and our city,” she said.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role, and I’m committed to working hard every day to represent local families and deliver practical outcomes for residents.”
She said Liverpool’s ongoing growth brings both opportunity and responsibility, and that her priority will be ensuring residents feel heard in Council decisions.
“Liverpool is a diverse, growing community with enormous potential, and I want to make sure residents feel heard, supported and proud of where they live,” she said.
She added that she intends to be an accessible and consistent representative for the community.
“I will be a strong, approachable and hardworking voice for all the residents of Liverpool, someone they can rely on to listen, stand up for our community and always put local families first,” Councillor Munjiza said.
Councillor Munjiza now begins her term as Council continues work on its key priorities and longer-term planning for the city.
Background information provided by Council notes that Councillor Munjiza has lived in the Liverpool area for more than 30 years. She attended local public schools, raised her family in the area, and continues to live locally with her three children.
Her priorities include everyday services such as parks, playgrounds, road maintenance, and the upkeep of public spaces, alongside broader planning for local infrastructure and community facilities. She has also emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement between councillors and residents, with a focus on listening to community concerns and representing them in Council discussions.
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