Zeli Munjiza has officially taken her place on Liverpool City Council following her election victory in the South Ward by-election, which was held after the resignation of former Deputy Mayor Dr Betty Green. The result was formally announced by Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Officer Jason Breton after the NSW Electoral Commission confirmed Munjiza secured the highest number of votes among all candidates contesting the seat.
Mr Breton congratulated Councillor Munjiza on behalf of Liverpool City Council and welcomed her to the governing body, saying Council staff looked forward to continuing their work for the people of Liverpool under the direction of Councillors and the Mayor. He later joined Mayor Ned Mannoun in formally inducting Munjiza into Council, marking the official commencement of her role as an elected representative for South Ward.
Mayor Mannoun described the induction as both a privilege and a shared responsibility, saying councillors must work collaboratively and respectfully despite political differences to achieve the best outcomes for the Liverpool community. He said Liverpool’s multicultural identity, home to more than 150 ethnicities, remains one of the city’s greatest strengths and is reflected within the Council itself.
The Mayor also noted that Munjiza joins Council at a significant time, with councillors currently preparing future budgets and long-term strategic plans aimed at continuing Liverpool’s transformation into a major educational, commercial and entertainment centre with a strong global outlook. He said leadership and responsible decision-making would play an important role in shaping the city for future generations.
CEO Jason Breton said councillors are responsible for setting Council’s vision, policies and decisions, while Council staff work to deliver those outcomes for residents. He also spoke about his shared connection with Munjiza, noting both had grown up in Liverpool and understood the local community, its challenges and the opportunities ahead for the rapidly growing region.
Speaking after both her election and formal induction, Councillor Munjiza thanked South Ward residents for placing their trust in her during an important period for the city. She said she is committed to being a hardworking, approachable and visible representative who listens to local concerns and delivers practical improvements that matter to families across Liverpool.
Munjiza said her priorities include maintaining parks, playgrounds and public spaces, improving local roads, ensuring streets are kept clean and protecting community facilities residents rely on every day. She stressed that local government should remain focused on practical services and infrastructure that directly impact the daily lives of residents and strengthen confidence within the community.
Having lived in the Liverpool area for more than 30 years, Munjiza attended local public schools, built her life within the community and is now raising her three children locally. She said her long connection to Liverpool has given her a deep understanding of the area’s neighbourhoods, local services and the everyday challenges facing residents across South Ward and the broader community.
Munjiza also highlighted the importance of keeping councillors connected to the people they represent by regularly listening to residents’ concerns, ideas and priorities. She said local families deserve to feel heard, supported and proud of where they live, adding that she wants to help build a stronger and fairer Liverpool through community-focused leadership and reliable local services.
The final poll results released by the NSW Electoral Commission showed Munjiza receiving 22,212 votes, comfortably ahead of all other candidates in the South Ward by-election. Her induction now marks the beginning of her official service on Liverpool City Council as the governing body continues work on key infrastructure projects, community services and long-term planning for the city’s future growth.
