CCC Councillors Plotting Bulawayo Mayor, Town Clerk Ouster | Report
Newly-elected Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors in Bulawayo are reportedly planning to remove the city’s mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni and Town Clerk, Christopher Dube.
The councillors recently held a caucus at their provincial party offices, which was chaired by the former deputy mayor, Tinashe Kambarami and former Bulawayo Senator, Matson Hlalo.
Kambarami is no longer a sitting councillor after he was recalled from Council by the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T.
The former Ward 3 councillor is, however, challenging his recall in the courts and as a result, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission could not conduct by-elections in the ward.
Eight candidates from the CCC won the by-elections that were held on 26 March, namely Clr Edwin Ndlovu (Ward 8), Clr Donaldson Mabuto (Ward 9), Alderman Lilian Mlilo (Ward 12), Clr Concilia Mlalazi (Ward 18), Clr Christopher Dube (Ward 19), Ald Earnest Rafomoyo (Ward 20), Clr Tinevimbo Maposa (Ward 21) and Clr Mpumelelo Moyo (Ward 26).
The Sunday News reported sources as saying the caucus took place at the party offices and was also attended by Ward Two councillor Joyce Ndlovu, who was voted into office under an MDC Alliance ticket. Said the source:
The caucus took place on Wednesday, chaired by Kambarami and Senator Hlalo and among other things it was agreed that they push for the ouster of the Mayor and the Town Clerk. This will be done through a motion of no-confidence against the duo.
However, the possible hold up was the issue of raising the numbers since they are a minority.
Kambarami chaired the caucus and he made it clear that the councillors’ mandate was to get rid of Clr Mguni and also reverse a number of policies, including the parking management system contract.
The party’s caucus secretary, Clr Mabuto denied the allegations, saying CCC’s focus is focused on advancing the aspirations of the Bulawayo residents. He said:
We had a meeting, that I can confirm, but I cannot say it was a caucus, it was more of a celebration meeting by the eight winning councillors and other party members.
Further, I must dismiss the speculation that is going around that we want to oust the mayor or deputy or town clerk, that is not true, we are not going to council to cause turmoil.
All that we are focusing on is pushing for development and creating reconnecting council and the residents.
We also want to raise pertinent questions on issues such as the parking management system tender, our colleagues should give us answers on this issue.
Kambarami also refuted allegations that they were pushing for the ouster of Clr Mguni and Dube. He said the issue was never discussed.
He said the meeting was for congratulating the newly elected councillors and giving them direction on how they will conduct council business going forward.
