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Harare mayor, Jacob Mafume has suspended town clerk Hosiah Chisango over multiple allegations, including awarding a tender to a blacklisted company and extending his term of office indefinitely without council approval.
Chisango has been suspended with pay and benefits but is prohibited from reporting for duty or acting on behalf of the City of Harare during this period.
Recently, he was granted bail by the High Court after spending nearly two months in remand prison on charges of tender fraud.
In his suspension letter dated September 30, Mafume cited several instances of misconduct by Chisango in his role as the council’s accounting officer. Wrote Mafume:
<blockquote>
This letter serves to inform you that on the grounds stated below you are hereby suspended from all your duties as the Town Clerk with effect from the 30th of September 2024 in terms of Section 6 (1) of Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006 as read with Section 139(3)(a) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
Grounds for suspension (a) The employer has a good cause to believe that you have committed a serious misconduct in that you contravened Section 4(a) of the National Code i.e. S.I. 15 of 2006 otherwise known as ‘Any act or conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of the express or implied conditions of his or her contract.
You did so in one or more of the following ways; you misconducted yourself in the procurement and award of a tender for street lights to Jukula Enterprises in that you awarded the contract to a blacklisted company which had a record of breaching its tender obligations.
Or that you awarded a tender to a company owned by proprietors of blacklisted companies thereby exposing Council to potential financial losses and which company in this case had not won the tender.
In doing so, you have failed one of your primary functions as the accounting officer which is to protect the council’s interest
</blockquote>
Mafume also accused Chisango of failing to secure effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and system support for the management of the Council’s billing and accounting systems for nearly five years.
He also claimed that the town clerk renewed the contracts of other senior employees without proper authorisation. Wrote the mayor:
<blockquote>
At the expiry of your fixed term contract around July 2023, you proceeded to give yourself a contract without limit of time without the knowledge and authority of council and without the approval of the Local Government Board in terms of Section 132(1) of the Urban Councils Act.
In violation of the circular issued on the 26th of June 2014 paragraph 2.2 by the Ministry of Local Government and approved by Cabinet.
</blockquote>
Chisango’s contract at the Harare City Council expired in 2023 after completing his initial four-year term.
According to Local Government and Public Works Ministry circular number 86 of 2018, heads of local authorities are mandated to serve for four years.
Meanwhile, according to ZiFM Stereo, on October 1, Mafume was taken aback to find Chisango present at the full council meeting at Town House.
In a surprising turn of events, journalists were quickly removed from the meeting, preventing them from witnessing the unfolding drama between Mafume and Chisango.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Harare's mayor suspended the town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, for doing bad things like giving a contract to a bad company and extending his job without permission. Chisango can't work during the suspension but still gets paid. The mayor said Chisango also failed to get important software and renewed other contracts without permission. Chisango's contract should have ended in 2023 but he made it unlimited. The mayor was surprised to see Chisango at a meeting and journalists were removed, so no one knows what happened next.

Harare Mayor Suspends Town Clerk, Hosiah Chisango, For Misconduct

Jacob Mafume, a councillor with the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) party and the current Mayor of Harare, has defended the decision of mayors and council chairpersons to attend a two-day training seminar organised by the ruling ZANU PF party’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works summoned all mayors and council chairpersons to attend the indoctrination sessions held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel on August 21 and 22.
While Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and his deputy Edwin Ndlovu opted not to attend, Mafume was among those who participated in the training.
Although the training was conducted by Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology and the ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Mafume has sought to justify the attendance of the opposition-led local authorities. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We cannot shy away from attending some of these workshops when we are invited by our parent Ministry. No one has been asked to renounce their political party, but people have gone to understand the genesis and philosophy that some of us are operating in. It is something we have no qualms about attending, and we are part and parcel of that process.
</blockquote>
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/ideological-college-open-to-every-zimbabwean">The Sunday Mail</a> in 2022, Machacha made it clear that the Chitepo School of Ideology is a party school for ZANU PF. He said:
<blockquote>
Chitepo School of Ideology is a party school for ZANU PF. Its mission is to train and conscientise the leadership of the party, including the cadres, that the party deploys into Government, parastatals and other key national institutions. We aim to raise the political and ideological consciousness of the entire citizens of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Mayors, Council Chairpersons, and Town Clerks who participated in the two-day training programme were expected to receive certificates for completing the Chitepo School of Ideology course this Friday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, is defending CCC councillors attending a ZANU PF training. The training was held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and conducted by the ZANU PF National Political Commissar. Mafume says it's important to understand the ideology, even though it's a party school for ZANU PF. Some mayors chose not to attend. Participants will get certificates for completing the course. It's not about changing parties, just understanding different perspectives. The goal of the training is to raise awareness about politics and ideology in Zimbabwe.

Mafume Defends CCC Councillors' Attendance At ZANU PF Ideology Workshop

Harare mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, has been criticised for attending a ZANU PF indoctrination programme at the party’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
Mafume is among a group of mayors, chairpersons, councillors, and staff from 92 local authorities across the country who attended the two-day training session at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.
The training was conducted by Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology and ZANU PF’s National Political Commissar, on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
However, the mayors of Bulawayo, David Coltart, and his deputy, Edwin Ndlovu, did not attend the training. Instead, the city’s Town Clerk and Finance Director attended in their place.
Former CCC MP Job Sikhala, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that the opposition councillors attending the training may be motivated by greed. He wrote:
<blockquote>
There are more important things in life than money and power. No amount of silver and gold should persuade you to sacrifice your values and principles to be dragged to the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, to be brainwashed with some redundant ideology.
The ideology that is anti-people, promotion of the persecution of those in disagreement with that moribund ideology and intolerance of opponents of the establishment!
</blockquote>
Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent government critic, was more blunt in his assessment of Mafume’s attendance at the ZANU PF ideological training.
Chin’ono accused Mafume of “treachery” saying he is now serving his own interests and those of the ruling ZANU PF party. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
Harareans rejected ZANU PF in toto, but here you are, Mayor, using taxpayers’ money to attend an ideological indoctrination workshop at a ZANU PF indoctrination school!
I wouldn’t blame anyone who argues that you are no longer serving the interests of the residents of Harare, you are now serving your own interests and those of ZANU PF!
I can’t imagine that you would leave your office for the whole day to go to a ZANU PF indoctrination school when your residents have no clean drinking water!
It is just irresponsible for any opposition-elected mayor to do such a reckless thing! You have insulted the residents of Harare.
They are powerless because everything in Zimbabwe is captured, but at this point, it is fair to say you don’t represent them anymore!
… History will never forgive you for this treachery Jacob, you have betrayed the residents of Harare.
Our country is broken both politically and economically because of ZANU PF, yet you see it fit to not only go to a ZANU PF indoctrination school but to also use our money as Harareans attending this rubbish!
If Harareans had a way to remove you they would, but of course, ZANUPF courts will protect you, I am disappointed in not only your irresponsible actions, but in you too!
You have undermined the democratic process by participating in a ZANUPF indoctrination workshop while serving as an opposition mayor, you have “legitimised” the ruling party’s authoritarian tactics.
Long live David Coltart, the Mayor of Bulawayo, for rejecting this nonsense!
</blockquote>
Mafume is a member of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and was re-elected as the mayor of Harare following the 2023 general elections.
His re-election came after Sengezo Tshabangu controversially recalled his two predecessors, Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu.
Tshabangu, known for unilaterally recalling scores of CCC MPs and Councillors, defended the mandatory two-day ideological training, describing it as a positive initiative aimed at building the capacity of councillors and aligning local governance with national policies.
The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is named after Herbert Chitepo, a prominent nationalist and former chairperson of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU).
The school focuses on topics such as patriotism, national security, and the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume went to ZANU PF training, some people are not happy. They say he is betraying the opposition. Other mayors did not go. Critics say Mafume is serving his own interests, not the people. They think it's wrong for him to go to ZANU PF training. But some say the training is good for learning about important things. The training is about the history of Zimbabwe and being loyal to the country. Some people are mad at Mafume for going. They think he should focus on helping the people of Harare instead.

Mafume Slammed For Attending ZANU PF Ideological Training

The government has barred the Harare City Council (HCC) from holding workshops outside the capital, stating that out-of-town workshops were a waste of ratepayers’ money.
Addressing a full council meeting at Town House on Thursday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said they had received a circular from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, regarding this directive. Said Mafume (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030075/govt-cracks-whip-on-hcc-workshops">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The government is saying such workshops should be done with the approval of the government. I have asked my staff to comply.
We are here to protect residents’ affairs in good faith. So we have to comply with the government directive, which is our parent ministry.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced the arrest of town clerk Hosiah Chisango by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on fraud charges. He said:
<blockquote>
The name of the company which had won the tender sounds more like a music outfit than a company that supplies electricity.
Our town clerk has been arrested over the matter, but I do not want to comment further because this is before the courts.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced that Phakamile Mabhena Moyo will be the acting town clerk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government stopped Harare City Council from having workshops outside the city because it's a waste of money. The mayor got a message from the Minister of Local Government about this. The government wants to approve all workshops now. The town clerk was arrested for fraud, and a new person will take his place for now. The council has to follow the government's rules to protect the residents. The company that won the tender had a strange name. The mayor didn't want to say too much about the arrest because it's being dealt with by the courts.

Govt Bans Harare City Council From Holding Out-of-Town Workshops

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said the capital has the potential to become the hub of cannabis production in Zimbabwe and Africa if the business community invests in the commercial crop.
Speaking during the tour of the Medical Cannabis Biotech farm where he commended African Medical Cannabis Biotech for investing in the city’s cannabis industry, Mafume said (via <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/mafume-pin-hopes-on-cannabis/">Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
We should find a way to use cannabis effectively such that it benefits our city and country as a whole.
</blockquote>
The Harare mayor said investing in cannabis production and value addition will create employment opportunities for young people and also boost the economy. Mafume said:
<blockquote>
We have come with the business community of Harare. What we want is to encourage investors to invest in cannabis.
The medicinal impact of this cannabis has been long known in our society from Binga to Chipinge, and we have been using it for medicinal purposes for time immemorial.
The scientific impact of this cannabis is felt and known, and these are the types of investments we want as a city. We are hoping to work out how, as a city, we can partner in coming up with investors.
Just like we are the centre of tobacco, we can become the centre of cannabis in Zimbabwe.”
The plant we have seen is the best to extract oil, and we need to expand this investment such that it will help the economy and many of our youths.
We have seen some of the major works and investments happening in Harare, such as the opening of Meikles and food outlets. Therefore, we need to support this agro-based economy.
</blockquote>
Kim Ruan, the managing director of African Medical Cannabis Biotech said Zimbabwe’s climate and soils are conducive for growing cannabis.
In 2018, Zimbabwe became one of the first countries in Africa to legalize the production of medicinal cannabis. The government issued 57 licenses for cannabis cultivation.
The US$27 million Swiss Bioceuticals Limited Medicinal Cannabis Farm and Processing Plant recently commissioned in Mount Hampden, Mashonaland West Province aims to produce medicinal cannabis oil for both local and international markets
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Can Be The Cannabis Production Hub In Zimbabwe - Mafume

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said that the Harare City Council will install television screens at Rufaro Stadium that will enable football fans to watch the English Premier League’s title-deciding matches on Sunday, 19 May 2024.
The EPL matches will be beamed soon after the end of the CAPS United versus Dynamos Castle Premier Soccer League match at the same stadium.
EPL defending champions, Manchester City, with 88 points, host West Ham at Etihad Stadium while title rivals Arsenal, with 86 points, welcome Everton at Emirates Stadium.
The Harare derby kicks off at 3 PM with the EPL title deciders getting underway at 5 PM.
Mafume on Thursday told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/big-screens-for-rufaro/">The Herald</a> that they had decided to provide television screens, bar, and catering for those seeking to watch the English matches after the Harare derby. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We are fully preparing for the Harare derby and we also know that in the sporting calendar, this Sunday is going to be an important day in the English Premier League.
So, what we have done is that we have put TV screens inside Rufaro stadium by the kiosks where just soon after the derby is finished, TVs will be mounted and people can watch the decider of the EPL.
It means they don’t have to rush out of Rufaro or be caught in the traffic jam trying to catch up with what will be happening in the EPL.
They will be able to watch the proceedings of the Premier League soon after the final whistle here at Rufaro.
</blockquote>
Mafume also said part of the City of Harare’s long-term plans was to ensure that Rufaro Stadium becomes a seven-day facility and not a weekend facility. He said:
<blockquote>
[Rufaro] is going to have beer gardens, and it is going to have big screens for soccer both international and local.
It is going to be a go-to centre and one-stop shop it is going to be a sports village and a sports village must be able to deal with both local and international sport…
Beyond the derby, the long-term plan is to construct sports bars here at Rufaro, we are going to have big screens, it has got to be a seven-day facility and not a weekend facility.
We want to it be a place where it can be a family fun day, we are thinking of having entertainment and we are buying state of an art sound system for that purpose.
We are also going to ask entertainers to come in and perform and create a fun day, we are going to create what we want to call a Rufaro experience so that even if you are touring from the provinces and other parts of the country, you will be able to come and leave with some memorabilia and also with a huge experience at Rufaro, the photo experience and the kinds of things you will find at an international stadium.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

TV Screens To Be Installed At Rufaro Stadium For EPL Title-Deciding Matches - Harare Mayor

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says the local authority has “nothing to hide” after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate governance issues at the city council.
Speaking at the Ordinary Council meeting at Town House on Tuesday, Mafume said the law provides for the establishment of such a commission in the interest of public welfare. He said (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/we-have-nothing-to-hide-says-mayor-mafume-after-mnangagwa-appoints-harare-commission-of-inquiry/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We have nothing to hide, we are a public entity, we are a council of record and we are appointed by voters to enter public office, and this is exactly what public office means, it means that you can be enquired into your works by commissions, you can be enquired by parliamentary committees…
So the president deemed that the inquiry into the matters of Harare will be in the interest of public welfare.
</blockquote>
He also warned that non-cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry may result in criminal-related consequences. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
But we encourage that we be candid in our communications and open in our communications because there are consequences that come with not cooperating with commissions of this nature and some of the consequences can end up being criminal or labour-related.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa recently appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate the City of Harare’s management and council since 2017.
The Commission is chaired by retired judge Maphios Cheda and includes opposition politician Lucia Matibenga, who was appointed Minister of Public Service by the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai during the GNU era.
The other members of the commission are Steven Chakaipa, Norbert Phiri, and Khonzani Ncube.
In terms of Statutory Instrument 91 of 2024, also Proclamation 2 of 2024, the Inquiry shall be held for six (6) months from the date of gazetting, with an option of an extension of a further three (3) months.
The Commission’s terms of reference include investigating financial management systems and audit compliance with the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19] and other laws, investigating financial management of revenue generated through special vehicle companies and other outsourced arrangements, and probing the reasons behind the failure to operate an Enterprise Resource Planning system for Harare City Council and quantify any losses accruing as a result.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

We Have Nothing To Hide - Harare Mayor

On Sunday, Harare’s mayor, His Worship Councillor Jacob Mafume, expressed concern that several buildings in the capital were hazardous and at risk of closure due to their dilapidated condition.
Following his visit to a building that collapsed on Chinhoyi Street in the central business district on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, Mafume spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025376/hre-buildings-death-traps-mafume">NewsDay</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We are sorry for the tragedy. I am very sad about what happened. It is very unfortunate, we issued a notice just a few weeks ago about the state of buildings in the capital.
We will inspect them with a view to close those that do not meet standards and give a timeline to revamp the buildings so that in future we do not record such tragedies.
</blockquote>
On Sunday, 07 April, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victim, identified as Yolanda Hodzi, an adult female from Maridale, Norton, was positively identified by her next of kin.
He also said three vehicles parked in front of the building sustained damage.
The damaged vehicles are: a Mazda 323, registration number, AAW 5934; a Toyota Probox, registration number, AGE 8052; a Toyota Spade, registration number, AGN 6805.
Meanwhile, last week, the City of Harare issued a 14-day ultimatum to all property owners and occupants of buildings in the CBD, requiring them “to renew or regenerate their buildings and/or properties either through repairs, refurbishments and/or repainting.”
In a public notice, Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango emphasized that the council will take decisive action against those who disregard this directive.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor "Sorry" Over Fatal CBD Building Collapse

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume contends that the suspension of Rufaro Stadium as a host venue for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches lacks justification and is instead a clear manifestation of football politics.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/rufaro-being-politicized-harare-mayor-responds-to-ban-on-stadium/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Mafume asserted on Wednesday that the stadium issue has now become highly politicized.
Mafume seemingly taunted Dynamos, a team with historical ties to the stadium, for not exerting enough influence to secure permission for stadium usage from the relevant authorities. He said:
<blockquote>
Rufaro is now being politicized, I think we are now entering into the realm of football politics, perhaps the administrators felt Dynamos should play its home game at Barbourfields not here (Rufaro) or maybe Dynamos is naive not to use its home.
The home for Dynamos is ready, if they are naive to be told there is a toilet that is not clean and they cannot use the stadium then they are being dribbled.
I cannot help anyone who is being dribbled or who succumbs to being dribbled.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that urgent repairs are needed for the faulty turnstiles at Rufaro Stadium. These turnstiles caused significant delays, particularly on Good Friday, leading to winding queues even after the match had already begun.
Football analyst Solomon Manganyi criticised PSL Chairman Farai Jere, who is CAPS United owner and MP for Murehwa West (ZANU PF), of bias against Dynamos. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Now I understand what the PSL Chairman [Farai Jere] meant by saying they fixed the fixtures in favour of certain teams. So CAPS United benefited from playing two games at home as well as revenue-wise and it’s now Dynamos playing at home and suddenly Rufaro is not good enough.
We raised the issue of turnstiles after the match between Yadah and Dynamos but the PSL administration saw it fit for CAPS to host Arenel Movers [at Rufaro] whilst Herentals hosted FC Platinum and reference for shutting it is the Yadah versus Dynamos match.
</blockquote>
ZIFA First Instance Board chairman Sheriff Musa, said Rufaro stadium was temporarily homologated as more work still needs to be done. Said Musa:
<blockquote>
We temporarily homologated Rufaro Stadium to host games, although there are a few touch-ups that need to be done.
Work is in progress and with the dedication that the Mayor has, we trust all that will be done.
</blockquote>
The  ZIFA First Instance Board is responsible for examining stadiums to ensure they meet minimum standards.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rufaro Stadium Being Politicised, Says Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume

Harare Mayor, His Worship, Cllr Jacob Mafume, has responded to allegations of police brutality involving municipal officers.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows a group of men in civilian attire assaulting a vendor. Mayor Mafume has ordered an investigation into the matter.
In a press statement, Mayor Mafume emphasized the importance of upholding human rights in policing. He stated:
<blockquote>
We are the primary police force in our city, and we interact most closely with the public. Our methods must align with human rights principles.
</blockquote>
To address this, the mayor announced plans to introduce human rights courses for officers.
Furthermore, Mafume acknowledged the need for harmony between municipal officers and vendors.
He emphasized that the institution’s image must be protected, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if the perpetrators are indeed city employees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Orders Probe Into Vendor Assault

The Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart has distanced himself from former MDC and PDP members who claim to have taken control of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.
This comes after Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, who claims to be the CCC’s spokesperson, said Coltart was the party’s Treasurer-General.
Mafume and his allies who include Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti, purport to have revived the MDC Alliance structures elected by the 2019 Gweru Congress to run CCC.
Coltart, who was elected MDC Alliance Tresurer-General, was among the party’s former bigwigs who snubbed a recent meeting of CCC members who sought to revive the structures from the Gweru Congress.
Responding to an X user who had asked to know his position regarding the remarks made by Mafume, Coltart said he ceased being Treasurer General a long time ago. He said:
<blockquote>
That is news to me. I ceased being Treasurer General ages ago. As I wrote in my statement recently I refuse to be drawn into any zero-sum game. The future of Zimbabwe depends on all genuine democrats finding each other and working jointly to defeat tyranny.
</blockquote>
Commenting on Coltart’s stance, journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono said opposition political activists must resolve their differences and work together. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
This is why Blessed Mhlanga’s question was important and relevant to the current opposition drama, 
@DavidColtart has rejected Jacob Mafume’s assertion that he is the current Treasurer-General.
This now leads to more questions that need to be asked, questions asking who else was named and yet is not part of the CCC leadership structure in the faction represented by Jacob Mafume as party spokesman.
As the man he has always been, @DavidColtart has maturely advised anyone opposed to ZANU-PF corrupt rule to not fight to kill each other.
He realises that these opposition fights have only one beneficiary, ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
Coltart is among the majority of CCC’s elected representatives who resisted pressure to resign after former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa quit the party last month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

David Coltart Rubbishes Mafume's Treasurer General Claims

Promise Mkwananzi has announced that Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is no longer a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party. Mkwananzi stated that Mafume was dismissed for associating with the party’s disputed secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu. This came after Mafume declared that the CCC faction led by Tshabangu held a meeting in Bulawayo and appointed interim presidents for the party.
Mafume explained that Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, and Lynette Karenyi-Kore were selected as interim presidents, with each leader serving for 90 days before passing the role to the next person. Ncube would be the first to assume this position. Mafume was elected as the party’s national spokesperson, taking over from Promise Mkwananzi in August 2023, who had held the position previously.

<ul>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/02/17/welshman-ncube-tendai-biti-karenyi-kore-appointed-ccc-interim-presidents-amid-leadership-crisis/">Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, Karenyi-Kore Appointed CCC Interim Presidents Amid Leadership Crisis</a></li>
</ul>
During the meeting, it was also decided to reactivate the MDC 2019 congress posts, resulting in Chalton Hwende resuming the position of secretary general. These appointments are temporary until the party conducts an elective congress to choose permanent leaders, according to Mafume. However, in a statement seen by Pindula News, Mkwananzi, who still identifies himself as the CCC spokesperson, declared that these appointments hold no validity, implying internal factional conflicts within the party. Mkwananzi said:
<blockquote>
We have called the present press conference to update the citizens of Zimbabwe, the International community and all stakeholders of the change project on several key developments within the party and in our spaces within the governance structure of the country.
As you may now be aware, the party’s founder and leader, President Advocate Nelson Chamisa resigned as leader and head of the Citizens Coalition for Change; a history which we shall not regurgitate at this presser. It is at the backdrop of the said resignation that the party’s Citizens National Assembly convened and resolved the question of the leadership vacuum occasioned by the President’s resignation from the party. The undoubted consensus within the party’s membership and progressive leadership is that the President had become a target of a deliberate project sponsored by the parallel state and implemented by a fatigued and positions hungry lot seeking to sustain a Zanu PF rule in Zimbabwe.
It is important that we clarify that the resignation of the President was by no means intended to burn the party and its assets to the ground. The resignation has in fact breathed life to and sustained the fight for democratic transition in our country.
The struggle for democratic transition in Zimbabwe is undergoing a transition. That transition, entails the falling away of an old culture, old tendencies and old politics and to some extent, old personalities and characters. There is an unstoppable and refreshing birth of the new; characterised by a new culture of politics that is people centred as opposed to being position centred. The sacrifice by President Nelson Chamisa to abandon an institution which he founded must be understood in the context of this painful but real transition. We have to assert at this juncture that the CNA has resolved that the CCC and its deployees (MPs and Councillors) remain committed to the transitional process which will deliver a New Great Zimbabwe led by Adv. Nelson Chamisa.
Let there be no doubt, the party and its membership, represented by the resolutions of the CNA has given the task of managing the internal transitional processes of the party to Senator Jameson Timba who leads the Administration Bureau of the party with representation from all the ten provinces in Zimbabwe. Senator Jameson Timba, a senior political leader within the democratic movement in Zimbabwe carries a collective and technical mandate of running the affairs of the party ahead of President Nelson Chamisa’s treatise on the next step. In conformity with his mandate, Senator Jameson Timba announced a series of key appointments in the party’s Parliamentary leadership structure which has been confirmed by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
All party deployees in Parliament are called upon to co-operate and work with the stated leadership in executing the party’s legislative agenda and in advancing the interests of the citizens. Any acts of insubordination, sabotage and rebellion shall be considered an affront to the country’s democratisation agenda and shall be meted with legal and political processes to ensure struggle discipline.
The party has taken note of the growing concerns around numerous evictions which have been carried out by the ZANU PF government in various parts of the country. We are concerned with the obvious affront to human rights and livelihood of many Zimbabwean citizens affected by what appears to be consequences of an unclosed chapter of a fractured land reform program. The party has thus appointed its Legal and Parliamentary Affairs bureau head, Honourable Agency Gumbo to lead a commission constituted by Members of Parliament and Councillors to embark on a national fact finding mission which will inform the party’s response to this growing national concern.
We further wish to communicate, unequivocally to the public, that there is a team which is presently moving around provinces carrying a special mandate of informing our base on the state of affairs in the democratic alternative. We dispel any notion and or innuendos thereof, by our detractors who seek to suggest a rift and lack of consensus on the strategic steps which are a parcel of the party’s internal transitional process. Without saying much, we advise the citizens of Zimbabwe to remain vigilant and understand that there is cohesion in the processes currently underway.
We have taken note of some rotten apples seeking to further the contamination within the party and its deployees. We have heard timid whispers emanating from Holiday Inn in Bulawayo wherein one Jacob Mafume mischievously makes pronouncements about the leadership of the CCC. We state categorically that the said pronouncements are null and void and are not a representation of the collective wisdom and resolution of the Citizens National Assembly.
We wish to state that Mr Mafume is not authorised to speak for and on behalf of the party, his obvious link with Sengezo Tshabangu and the unlawful recalls has now been confirmed. His reference to a supposed link between the CCC and the leadership of the MDC A is not only mischievous but a confirmation that he has ceased to be a member of the CCC. Accordingly, any deployee or leader of CCC who associates with this mischief will automatically cease to be a member of the party and the relevant political and legal consequences shall ensue.
Promise Mkwananzi 
National Spokesperson 
ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION ONE VISION
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Promise Mkwananzi Says Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume No Longer A Member Of CCC Party

Bus and commuter omnibus operators in Harare have revealed that rank marshals are colluding with corrupt police and municipal officers to collect unauthorized taxes at bus termini, pocketing an estimated US$1 million each month. The rank marshals, who work with five associations representing the operators, reportedly collect up to US$240,000 per month from each association.
According to Mr. Pious Chidzenga, the head of operations for the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), each driver is forced to pay US$2 for every trip they make into the rank, resulting in rank marshals earning US$10 per driver daily. This exploitative practice extends over a month, with drivers individually contributing US$300. With over 800 members in ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$240,000 monthly from this association alone. He told The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/rank-marshals-pocket-us1m-a-month">Sunday Mail</a>:
<blockquote>
Each driver is compelled to pay US$2 for every one of the five daily trips they make into the rank. Simple multiplication will tell you that rank marshals pocket a substantial US$10 per driver each day. This exploitative practice persists over a month, with drivers contributing US$300 per month individually. When multiplied by the 800 members of ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$ 240,000 monthly. This figure represents just one association out of the more than five operating within Harare.
</blockquote>
During a public transport stakeholders meeting, Harare’s police officer commanding, Commissioner Wonder Tembo, expressed his disapproval of this behavior and announced an upcoming operation to eradicate this criminal syndicate. He acknowledged that some rank marshals falsely claim association with senior political figures but assured stakeholders that the police would not tolerate such behavior. He said:
<blockquote>
As officer commanding Harare, I want to mention that as police, we don’t condone such kind of behaviour that is prevailing at various bus ranks. We are having running battles with people who claim they own certain ranks. I have tasked my assistant commissioners to sit down with Harare City Council officials to come up with an operation to tame this menace.
We are aware that many of these rank marshals hide behind political parties, but we have never received a call from any political party or Government questioning why we have arrested certain troublemakers.
I urge you (council) to also come up with an operation and as law-enforcement agents, we will support you and we will come in our numbers to help you. We don’t want to be the initiators of the job that is supposed to be done by you.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Tembo urged operators to resist paying the rank marshals and assured them of police support if they faced intimidation. 
Harare’s Mayor, Cllr Jacob Mafume, acknowledged that rank marshals had gained excessive power at council bus stations but assured stakeholders that action would be taken to restore order. He announced plans for the council to take over the ranks and address the situation in the coming month.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Corrupt Rank Marshals Pocket $1 Million Monthly In Unauthorised Bus Taxes

Harare mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said that some councillors attend meetings under the influence of alcohol and drugs resulting in unnecessary disputes.
This comes after Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Ward 43 councillor, Blessing Duma, disrupted a council meeting presided over by Mafume on Friday last week.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022160/councillors-attend-meetings-drunk-mafume">NewsDay</a> reported that some councillors supported Duma after he was removed from the council’s influential audit committee.
Addressing the full special council meeting, Mafume accused councillors of attending council meetings drunk. He said:
<blockquote>
As you all know when preparing to come for the meetings people take different substances.
So, certain substances then confuse the person and it takes time for the substance to subside so that they do well and will be able to hold the meeting properly.
</blockquote>
Mafume also said councillors did not understand the law resulting in them raising issues that were “legally untenable”. He said:
<blockquote>
Our understanding of the law is very different as councillors and sometimes our level of comprehension is different depending on the tools that we developed for ourselves before becoming councillors.
So, sometimes they misread or fail to understand the law completely and raise their hands to legally untenable mouth things.
On Friday, (there) was a robust debate by some who felt certain changes ought not to be done for one reason or the other. We welcome the vitality and the energy of debates.
People are free to contribute when there are debates, but then there are times when you feel that people are plotting to sink the council.
The constitution is very clear on how a councillor or a mayor leaves office.
And one of them is certainly not bypassing the motion in the chamber.
</blockquote>
In September 2023, Masvingo City Council Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa banned employees from consuming the Kambucha/Kombucha drink during working hours on the advice of council doctors who established that the drink was an alcoholic substance.
The ban followed incidents in which some city workers reported to work drunk while others were openly drinking Kambucha at work claiming it has medicinal properties.
Kombucha is a beverage that was introduced not too long ago and some of its consumers consider it an energy drink with medicinal properties while others, mostly men, consider the beverage an aphrodisiac and consume it for its supposedly sex-enhancing properties.
In October the Ministry of Health and Child Care ordered an investigation into Kambucha to ascertain whether it has health benefits as claimed by its producers and consumers or is just an intoxicating concoction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Councillors Attend Meetings Drunk - Mafume

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has suggested that the Local Government Minister proposed using presidential powers to bring the Harare Municipality under direct state administration. Charamba believes this is necessary to address crises such as cholera and water shortages in the capital.
Charamba argues that the infighting within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party which runs the City of Harare, coupled with the ongoing cholera pandemic, calls for a direct state administration. He believes that the state is already doing much of the work in addressing these issues, so it makes sense to take full control. He even suggests reappointing Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume to lead the new rescue initiative created under presidential powers. He said:
<blockquote>
WITH THE PARALYSIS WHICH TRIPLE C INFIGHTING HAS WROUGHT ON CITY OF HARARE, AND GIVEN THE RAGING CHOLERA PANDEMIC, IT IS ABOUT TIME LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER APPROACHED HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT WITH THE PROPOSAL TO USE PRESIDENTIAL POWERS TO BRING HARARE MUNICIPALITY UNDER DIRECT STATE ADMINISTRATION. THERE IS A GOOD CASE NOW USING PUBLIC HEALTH ARGUMENT. THE STATE IS DOING MUCH OF THE WORK ANYWAY!!!!!
EVEN BETTER POLITICS WOULD BE TO REAPPOINT DOINK – MAFUME – TO LEAD THE NEW RESCUE CREATURE CREATED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL POWERS.
</blockquote>
However, some commentators have pushed back against this proposal. They point out that even in areas where local authorities are already under state administration, there has been no tangible development or even worse conditions than in Harare. They question the effectiveness of presidential powers in bringing about real change and argue that those powers could be better utilised to address other pressing issues, such as the country’s economic collapse, abolishing the Zimbabwe dollar, increasing civil servants’ salaries, and combating corruption.
Critics also argue that the state of Harare is a reflection of the country’s overall economic situation. They emphasise that managing a city with a large informal trading sector is challenging. They place responsibility for the current problems in Harare and other cities on the government, particularly the ruling party, ZANU PF, attributing the issues to their governance and economic policies.
Since the early 2000s, the opposition has been in charge of managing major cities in Zimbabwe. However, these cities have struggled to provide essential public goods and services like clean water, sewage systems, garbage collection, road maintenance, and street lighting. The opposition blames this failure on insufficient funds and interference from the central government. They argue that the central government does not allocate the necessary resources to local authorities as required by the constitution. They also believe that the central government, through the local government ministry, intentionally undermines development efforts by local authorities to weaken the opposition’s hold on power.
On the other hand, the central government denies these allegations. They claim that they have a responsibility to oversee the operations of local governments. When local authorities are unable to fulfil their obligations, the central government argues that it must intervene to protect the interests of the general public. They deny purposely sabotaging development to influence electoral outcomes.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

It's Time To Bring Harare Municipality Under Direct State Administration - Presidential Spokesperson

The President of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a>, has reportedly fired the Mayor of Harare, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume/">Jacob Mafume</a>, and six other councillors. They have been expelled from the party because they aligned themselves with disputed party interim Secretary General <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> and caused chaos within the party.
Mafume’s removal comes shortly after he was re-elected as Harare Mayor. There were allegations that he convinced Tshabangu to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/09/tshabangu-strikes-again-recalls-harare-mayor-ian-makone-deputy-7-more-councillors/">recall the previous mayors</a> – Ian Makone, and Lovejoy Chitegu – so that he could regain his position. Mafume reportedly demanded that councillors vote for him, claiming that he had control over their continued stay in office.
It is alleged that Mafume was hurt by Chamisa’s decision not to support <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/21/jacob-mafume-bounces-back-as-harare-mayor/">Mafume’s re-election</a>. Mafume had hoped for a second term as mayor after completing the term of former Harare Mayor, Herbert Gomba. An anonymous source told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chamisa-fires-harare-mayor-mafume-six-other-councillors-for-scheming-with-tshabangu/">The NewsHawks</a>:
<blockquote>
Mafume has been fired for his role in destabilising the party.
He has been fired alongside six other Councillors from across the country. Expect more of these decisions as the party has been observing and now knows those against its agenda.
</blockquote>
The other six councillors who were allegedly fired are Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu from Bulawayo, Mayor Sophia Gwasira and Deputy Mayor Cloud Nengomasha from Mutare, and two unnamed councillors from Marondera and Harare.
Tshabangu, a former MDC provincial youth chairperson and member of the MDC-N, has been causing turmoil within the CCC by recalling Members of Parliament and councillors. He claims the recalls are necessary to address irregularities and disrespect for party processes. He claims that the recalled individuals ceased to be CCC members and that they had been imposed on the electorate by Nelson Chamisa.
Some believe that CCC’s former deputy president, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti,</a> has been influencing these expulsions due to his resentment towards Chamisa. Biti reportedly wants to ensure the downfall of the CCC. Mafume has a history of supporting Biti, as he previously joined Biti’s People Democratic Party after a disagreement with the late Morgan Tsvangirai, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">Biti denied the allegations</a> saying although he differs with Chamisa’s way of doing things, he would never go as far as giving ZANU PF an advantage on any platform.
It remains to be seen whether the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission will recognize these expulsions, as previous letters signed by Chamisa were ignored by Parliament, despite being acknowledged.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Chamisa Has Reportedly Fired Harare Mayor Mafume And 6 Others

Over 100 families have been evacuated after flash floods struck the Budiriro and Kuwadzana suburbs in Harare. The floods have forced residents to seek shelter in temporary accommodations. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has called for immediate action and a comprehensive approach to tackle the city’s housing crisis.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/28/floods-alert-harare-mayor-mafume-urges-residents-in-low-lying-areas-to-evacuate-their-houses/">During a press conference in Harare</a>, Mayor Mafume revealed that approximately 100 families have taken refuge at Budiriro 3 Primary School, while six to seven families have sought shelter at Kuwadzana 2 Primary School. The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has provided essential supplies such as dry food for the affected families. Mayor Mafume mentioned that once the necessary sanitary facilities are in place, the families will be relocated to a vocational centre, as the schools are scheduled to reopen soon. He added:
<blockquote>
We encourage families that are in those areas to go to these areas. Should flooding occur in other areas we will work with CPU to provide places for them to take people. They have provided transport and food and we as council have provided meat.”
Some of the flooded areas were newly allocated council residential stands.
For those that were allocated land legally and it is within an area where you cannot construct we are going to give them alternative land.
For those that have gone and invaded land illegally. We are becoming uneasy as a council with the process of regularization of illegalities. We need to come up with a robust plan.
We need to come with a ministry of housing. We have a national housing crisis as a country and as a city.
</blockquote>
Furthermore, Mayor Mafume emphasized the need to reduce the cost of building houses. He proposed exploring cheaper building materials and construction methods to bring down the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/28/a-house-needs-to-cost-less-than-us5-000-mafume-on-housing-options/">cost of constructing a decent house to approximately US$5,000.</a> By implementing lower building standards, he believes that affordable housing can be provided on a larger scale, ensuring that residents have access to decent homes.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Over 100 Families Evacuated After Flash Floods Struck Harare Suburbs

The Harare City Council (HCC) has allocated US$216 million from its 2024 budget to address water challenges and improve service provision in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector. The capital city of Zimbabwe has been facing severe water shortages for many years, with some wards and districts going without stable and safe drinking water for extended periods.
In his New Year message, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume announced that the allocated funds will be used for key projects aimed at bridging the water supply gaps. One of the major projects includes the rehabilitation of water treatment plants and the distribution network. This will involve refurbishment at Morton Jaffray, including the rehabilitation of 14 filters and the replacement of 3 pumps, to improve water production and pumping capacity. Once complete, this is expected to increase water production from the current average of 280 litres per day to 450 megaliters per day.
Mafume said the local government authority also plans to implement interventions in the distribution network, such as pipe replacement and the installation of 2000 commercial and 40,000 domestic prepaid water meters. He said:
<blockquote>
This will result in reduction of non-revenue water by 2% from 60% to 58%. These metering interventions are expected to improve revenue collection efficiency to 60% from the current 40% attributed to the targeted consumers. Protect the vulnerable groups of the society.
We are hopeful that in 2024 we will reach 450 megalitres of water production per day. Although this is not adequate to supply the citizens of Harare, it will at least improve on the coverage aspect which has remained limited.
</blockquote>
Harare has been grappling with water shortages for over a decade due to financial, operational, and management challenges faced by the local authority. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare City Council Has Allocated US$216 million From Its 2024 Budget To Address Water Challenges

Former Harare City Deputy Mayor, Kudzai Kadzombe, said she witnessed Harare municipal police officers “robbing vendors” along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight. She expressed her disappointment and managed to report the incident to their superiors. Kadzai Kadzombe, who was recently removed from her position in the council said:
<blockquote>
 Potato &amp; butternut heist, I was so disappointed to witness 1st hand, Hre municipal police officers robbing vendors along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight, with so many witnesses around, load the goods &amp; then sped away. I took the reg# &amp;reported it to their superiors
</blockquote>
This revelation sparked various responses, with some people stating that such incidents are common, particularly in the central business district.
Some individuals claimed that municipal police officers patrol certain areas and impose taxes on vendors, collecting US$5 every three days. Kadzombe, however, believes that not all officers are corrupt and that many dedicated municipal officers love their job and uphold principles. She acknowledged that a few bad officers tarnished the reputation of the entire force.
Others criticised Kadzombe, suggesting that she may be unfamiliar with the Harare Municipal Police’s modus operandi and urged her to familiarise herself with the by-laws and the efforts being made to restore order in the city. They questioned her lack of knowledge about the responsibilities of her own workers in cleaning up the city. Kadzombe responded, asserting that although she understands the role of municipal police as an enforcement arm of the council, she was specifically referring to thieves disguised as officers. She stood by her statement and expressed her disappointment in witnessing such acts.
Many comments highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption within Harare’s municipal police and other departments, such as city parking, licensing, and billing.
The incident witnessed by Kadzombe was seen as a reflection of the daily struggles faced by many vendors and the demands for bribes from the municipal police. Some suggested that the person involved may have been new to the area, hence the confiscation of goods, while others said that vendors often pay “rent” to operate. Critics described City Parking, a company contracted by the local government authority to collect parking revenue, and the municipal police officers as “terrorists” who are not pro-people. They demanded that measures be taken to address this issue.
There were calls for Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, to be made aware of the situation and for action to be taken against the corrupt officers. Suggestions were made to pay municipal police officers better and provide them with the necessary resources to do their job effectively. Some believed that this would help alleviate the problem of corruption.
Critics accused Kadzombe of raising the issue for political gain, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people. They argued that such incidents have been happening for a long time, but the local government authority has failed to take action. Kadzombe defended herself, stating that speaking the truth should not be seen as a popularity stunt. She expressed her willingness to address the issue and emphasized that just because such incidents are not new does not mean they should be tolerated.
Some individuals justified HMP’s operations arguing that vendors also engage in illegal activities, evading taxes and robbing the city of revenue. According to some commentators, “It is common for the police to confiscate goods when they catch someone committing a crime.” They claim that the police take everything that could be used as evidence. Others mentioned that vendors are not allowed to operate in certain areas, and some of them do not have the necessary medical certificates, which are required for selling food.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Former Harare Deputy Mayor Kadzombe "Witnesses Municipal Police Robbing Vendors"

The Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, has urged people living in low-lying areas like Kuwadzana and Budiro Paddocks to leave their homes because of heavy rain and the possibility of flooding. This warning comes after two people died in Highfield and Budiriro last week. In Budiriro, a six-year-old boy was swept away by floodwaters and his body was found five kilometres away on Boxing Day. Watch the video below for more.
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 480px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="848" id="video-268845-1" preload="metadata" width="480"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mafume.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mafume.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mafume.mp4</a></video></div>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Floods Alert: Harare Mayor Mafume Urges Residents In Low-lying Areas To Evacuate Their Houses

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) is alleging that two of its councillors, Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu, were recalled by the ruling party, ZANU PF, with the assistance of imposters within the CCC. The recalls were orchestrated by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the CCC’s interim secretary general. However, senior party leaders, including Nelson Chamisa, dispute Tshabangu’s claims stating that the secretary general position does not exist. They believe Tshabangu is colluding with ZANU PF to weaken the CCC and remove elected officials aligned with Chamisa.
Tshabangu has denied these allegations, asserting that the recalled individuals had ceased to be members of the party and were imposed on the electorate by Chamisa during the August 2023 general election. He also dared recalled MPs to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/10/22/prove-i-am-not-ccc-interim-secretary-general-tshabangu-dares-recalled-mps/">prove that he was not the party’s interim secretary general.</a> He claims to have an <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/22/tshabangu-declares-chamisa-is-not-allowed-to-use-his-face-outside-ccc-even-if-he-forms-a-new-party/">affidavit which proves that he was appointed the interim secretary general</a> of the party. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the CCC party said:
<blockquote>
Zanu PF and its imposters, who show no regard for the will of the citizens and their struggles under the Harare regime, unlawfully recalled Councilors Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu. This was done because they had been elected as mayors of the city of Harare.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/09/ccc-says-recall-of-harare-mayor-ian-makone-city-councillors-invalid/">The recall of Makone</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/14/tshabangu-recalls-harare-mayor-lovejoy-chitengu/">Chitengu</a> has resulted in Jacob Mafume, a member of the CCC, being elected as the new mayor of Harare. But the party did not congratulate him suggesting its disapproval of Mafume’s election. Some CCC officials claim that Mafume has been collaborating with Tshabangu to destabilize the party. They allege that since Tshabangu and Mafume previously worked together in the Tendai Biti-led PDP party before it merged with other parties to form the MDC Alliance, Tshabangu is recalling CCC officials in an endeavour to reinstate former PDP members to influential positions within the CCC.
They say the alleged alliance between Tshabangu and ZANU PF will result in the ruling party gaining a majority in Parliament and influence in local government authorities. Tshabangu has denied all of these allegations.
Divisions within the CCC began before the August elections when the party implemented a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">strategy called “strategic ambiguity”</a>, which <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/22/ccc-constitution-proves-that-has-never-been-the-interim-secretary-general-lawyer/">concentrated power in the hands of Nelson Chamisa</a>, the party’s president. This strategy faced opposition from some senior party officials such as Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Chalton Hwende. The party claimed that this strategy was adopted to prevent infiltration by ZANU PF and security service agents.
In response to a follower’s comment about sellouts within the CCC, Chamisa stated that they deliberately delayed allocating positions to sift out the greedy individuals. He expressed a desire for genuine and committed members, adding that the power-hungry will be exposed in the long run. He said:
<blockquote>
Regai (nyoka) dzibude pachena, tisvike takachena! Ndizvo muchiona takanonoka kuti tipanane zvigaro. Taida venyota yesimba nemakaro ezvigaro vabude pachena. Masiriri anonetsa kuchengetedza unoona pasi patota nehavi!!! 
</blockquote>
The only publicly known positions within the party are President and Spokesperson. Biti and Ncube used to hold interim vice president positions, but it appears that these positions were abolished before the elections. Chalton Hwende served as the secretary general, but that position was also abolished.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZANU PF And Its Imposters Recalled Councilors Makone And Chitengu - CCC

Jacob Mafume has bounced back as Harare Mayor after defeating Elvis Ruzani by a vote of 22 to 15. Mafume, a lawyer by profession, was mayor between 2018 and 2023 and was replaced by Ian Makone following the 23-24 August 2023 harmonised elections.
The post of mayor became vacant when Lovejoy Chitengu, who was elected as councillor for Ward 36 in the August 2023 general elections, was recalled by Tshabangu. Chitengu had replaced Ian Makone, who was also recalled in November. Chitengu was spared from that recall due to a spelling error in his name but Tshabangu ordered another recall.
Tshabangu argues that the recalls were necessary because the targeted CCC representatives were imposed by party leader Nelson Chamisa during the party’s controversial candidate selection process. Some political observers believe that Chamisa used a different candidate selection process to eliminate opponents and favour loyalists. Others see the recalls as an attempt by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to weaken the opposition.
Mafume’s return as mayor marks a significant shift in the leadership of Harare. However, the frequent changes in mayors and the internal conflicts within the CCC raise concerns about stability and effective governance. Mafume is Harare’s fourth mayor in just four months.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Jacob Mafume Bounces Back As Harare Mayor

Tendai Biti, the vice president of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), accused party president Nelson Chamisa of creating fake social media accounts to attack him.
This comes after a parody account linked him to Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary-general. There are allegations of internal division within the opposition party, with some senior officials including Biti, Welshman Ncube, and Chalton Hwende being accused of being “sell-outs.”
Biti spoke exclusively to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200020183/biti-in-rare-chamisa-attack">NewsDay</a> after a post by a parody account in Sengezo Tshabangu’s name claimed that he and Tshabangu had met to discuss important matters concerning the party. The former Finance Minister is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I’m not interested. That account must be parody account that was created by Chamisa and his team. Just check it. I have not met Tshabangu and let me repeat that I am not interested.
</blockquote>
Biti also told <a href="https://x.com/NewsHawksLive/status/1729125438457307172?s=20">The NewsHawks</a> that he hasn’t met Tshabangu in a long time and has not had a meal at Monomotapa Hotel in 20 years. Said Biti:
<blockquote>
That’s false and malicious. I haven’t seen Tshabangu for a long time and haven’t eaten at Crowne Plaza for 20 years now!
</blockquote>
Biti reiterated that he has nothing to do with the issue of recalls which have resulted in the expulsion of scores of CCC elected representatives in parliament and municipalities.
The tweet by the parody account claimed that Tshabangu had met Biti at a top hotel in Harare. The account claimed:
<blockquote>
Just after my interview on ZBC, I had dinner with one of our decorated change champions and learned man Hon Biti at Crowne Plaza, as he is a victim of dictatorship, we deliberated on pertinent issues that will add value to our struggle for democracy, transparency and constitutionalism.
</blockquote>
Tshabangu’s spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni also disowned the account saying it was fake. Phugeni said:
<blockquote>
I would think it’s a fake account.
</blockquote>
The recent development occurred when Harare councillor Denford Ngadziore prevented former mayor Jacob Mafume from attending a councillors’ caucus meeting at the Town House. This happened before the election of Lovejoy Chitengu as mayor, following the recall of Ian Makone by Sengezo Tshabangu.
Mafume who is considered Biti’s ally is reportedly concerned for his safety after receiving threats. He stated that he did nothing wrong and expressed regret over the events that took place during the caucus meetings. Mafume added:
<blockquote>
We are ready for service delivery of the residents and council if asked to do so. So, my conscience is clear even during the period when l was mayor.
I wronged no one except those who want to take Harare. What happened at caucus meeting stays at the caucus meeting.
</blockquote>
According to reports, Eric Murai, the provincial taskforce chairperson for Harare, and Matsunga Machuma forced their way into the chambers to ensure that councillors voted as directed by Nelson Chamisa. Murai and Machuma allegedly asked the councillors to show their ballots before casting their votes. When asked for comment, Denford Ngadziore could not confirm or deny the scuffle that took place. He spoke to NewsDay:
<blockquote>
l do not want to comment because it was an internal issue.
</blockquote>
Chitengu stated that he cannot comment on the matter at this time.
The divisions within the party became apparent just before the August 2023 elections when there were accusations that Chamisa was imposing candidates in certain areas. These divisions became more noticeable after the elections when Sengezo Tshabangu began recalling CCC Parliamentarians and councillors whom he believed were imposed on the voters and were no longer party members. Some party leaders, including Chamisa, suspect that Tshabangu is not acting alone, leading to speculation that Biti may be involved due to his opposition to Chamisa’s strategies.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Biti Accuses Chamisa Of Creating A Parody Account To Attack Him

President Emmerson Mnangagwa this Monday participated in a ground-breaking ceremony for a <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Pomona_Dump_deal/">waste-to-energy project in Pomona,</a> which has been awarded to Geogenix BV, represented by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dilesh_Nguwaya/">Dilesh Nguwaya</a>. The ceremony was attended by various esteemed individuals, including the Mayor of Harare, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ian_Makone/">Ian Makone</a>. The project, valued at US$320 million, aims to convert waste into energy at the Pomona landfill site in Harare.
During his address at the Geo-Pomona Waste-to-Energy groundbreaking ceremony, President Mnangagwa made the following key points:
1. The project shows the government’s commitment to improving communities and creating clean environments. 
2. It marks the beginning of restoring Harare as a clean and friendly city. 
3. The government welcomes private sector involvement in boosting the economy and providing high-quality services. 
4. The project will build a waste-to-energy plant that generates 22 megawatts of electricity, contributing to the national energy supply. 
5. It will create employment and empowerment opportunities for women and youth.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-266227 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="419" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mnangagwa-geo-pomona-3-300x225.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mnangagwa-geo-pomona-3-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mnangagwa-geo-pomona-3-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mnangagwa-geo-pomona-3-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mnangagwa-geo-pomona-3.jpeg 1080w" width="559"/>
6. Waste-to-energy conversion helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and tackles climate change. 
7. Proper waste collection practices and environmental control systems are important. 
8. President Mnangagwa emphasizes the need for unity and collaboration to develop modern infrastructure in cities and towns.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-266228 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="324" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mnangagwa-geo-pomona-300x225.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mnangagwa-geo-pomona-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mnangagwa-geo-pomona-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mnangagwa-geo-pomona-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mnangagwa-geo-pomona.jpeg 1280w" width="432"/>
9. The National Clean-up and Beautification Programme is encouraged to maintain cleanliness. 
10. Access to a clean environment is a basic human right and crucial for sustainable socio-economic development. 
11. The project is expected to serve as a model for waste-to-energy initiatives in the future.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-266229 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="318" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona-300x225.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona-1320x990.jpeg 1320w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/geo-pomona.jpeg 2048w" width="424"/>12. The President officially commences the Geo-Pomona Waste-to-Energy Project. 
13. He offers his blessings for the success of the project and for Zimbabwe.
<h3>Some Context:</h3>
The Pomona waste management project has been facing legal challenges as the City of Harare disputes the contract imposed on it by the central government through the Ministry of Local Government.
According to the controversial deal, the local authority was obligated to pay a minimum of US$22,000 per day to the Netherlands-based company Geogenix BV for waste disposal at the site. Over the course of the 30-year contract, the City of Harare was expected to pay over US$344 million to Geogenix BV.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-266231 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="313" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ian-makone-mh-300x200.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ian-makone-mh-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ian-makone-mh-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ian-makone-mh.jpeg 1024w" width="470"/>
If the local authority chose to cancel the deal, it would have to pay Geogenix BV US$3.5 million for breaching the contract. However, former Mayor Jacob Mafume stated that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is now covering the bill. He expressed that the City of Harare is no longer concerned about the Pomona waste management deal, as the government has taken over the financial responsibility.
<img alt="Jacob Mafume" class="wp-image-188531 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="344" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Jacob-Mafume-300x200.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Jacob-Mafume-300x200.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Jacob-Mafume-768x512.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Jacob-Mafume.jpg 900w" width="516"/>
In May 2022, it was revealed that the Harare City Council dumpsite in Pomona would be handed over to Geogenix BV to establish Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited, which would build a waste-to-energy plant.
The concession agreement states that Geogenix BV is responsible for carrying out specified works, financing, procuring, installing, and maintaining equipment, as well as transferring the site and facilities to the City of Harare or any designated third party at the end or termination of the agreement. However, it appears that the City of Harare will be doing most of the work, while Geogenix BV receives the majority of the funds. The project company established for this purpose is called Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd.
On April 28, 2022, the City of Harare handed over the site to Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd after signing a joint statement on April 27, 2022. From then until May 12, 2022, the City of Harare and Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd agreed to jointly operate the Pomona dumpsite, after which Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd would take full control for the next 30 years.
This model will be rolled out across the country.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Key Points From Mnangagwa's Address At Geo-Pomona Waste-to-Energy Groundbreaking Ceremony

Ian Makone, representing the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been elected as the new Mayor of Harare, with Kudzai Kadzombe as his deputy. Makone, from Ward 18, replaces Jacob Mafume of Ward 17.
Kadzombe’s appointment is historic, as she is the first female Deputy Mayor in the city’s history.
The CCC holds a significant majority in the council, with 42 out of 45 seats, including 10 women’s quota councillors. Zanu PF holds the remaining four seats.
Makone received 46 votes in the election, defeating Zanu PF’s challenger, Temany Utete, who secured seven votes. Kadzombe won with 47 votes, surpassing Zanu PF’s Susan Chuma, who received seven votes. Party leader Nelson Chamisa instructed CCC councillors to vote for Makone and Kadzombe, similar to the instructions given in Bulawayo, where David Coltart will become mayor and Dumisani Nkomo will serve as deputy mayor. He said:
<blockquote>
Our single-minded commitment is the provision of service to all residents of Harare regardless of political affiliation. We are accountable to the residents of Harare, and we shall be a listening council.
Our single-minded commitment is the provision of service to all residents of Harare regardless of political affiliation. We are accountable to the residents of Harare, and we shall be a listening council.
I urge anyone who is intending on engaging in corrupt practices that there will be no sacred cows.  I also believe well remunerated staff is an effective staff.
</blockquote>
Tafadzwa Muguti, the Harare secretary for provincial affairs, assured the newly elected Harare council that the central government would support them in addressing challenges faced by the city, including water supply, garbage, and sewer issues. Muguti said
<blockquote>
You are now part of government. There is no them, there is no us; we are one Zimbabweans.
</blockquote>
Some individuals criticised the outgoing Mayor, Jacob Mafume, for not addressing the water crisis in Harare. They pointed out that despite Mafume winning in the driest Ward, Hatcliffe, he did not take sufficient action to ensure access to running water. They called for proactive measures to improve water supply and establish effective communication structures.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

CCC's Ian Makone And Kudzai Kadzombe Elected As New Harare Mayor And Deputy

Harare and Mutare city councils are expected to elect new mayors and deputy mayors today following the recent harmonised elections. The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) dominates both boards, maintaining its hold over urban areas nationwide.
In Harare, 40 out of 59 sworn-in councillors are from the CCC, while ZANU PF has five councillors. Additionally, 14 councillors were co-opted through the women’s quota system, with 10 from the CCC and four from ZANU PF. In Mutare, all 19 seats were won by the CCC, including six under the women’s quota system.
CCC president Nelson Chamisa has reportedly endorsed Ian Makone as the mayor of Harare, with most councillors at Town House endorsing him as well. In Mutare, Simon Chabuka is expected to continue as mayor for continuity and transparency.
Residents and Ratepayers’ organisations have expressed the need for strong and effective leadership at the councils, emphasizing the importance of delivering quality services and promoting community unity. United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust official Edson Dube told NewsDay that they needed firm leaders at the council. Dube said:
<blockquote>
We need firm people, we want leadership which can take council to the next level. We have noticed a lot of improvement in the last few years at Mutare City Council and they have been working very hard. Appointment of the mayor ship should be purely on merit. We want leadership which can deliver on service delivery.
</blockquote>
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director Precious Shumba said the new mayor should be a unifier. Shumba said:
<blockquote>
Residents want service delivery to be top-notch across the board. The mayor is the chief policymaker of a city or municipality. Given that responsibility, a mayor is supposed to be a unifier, inclusive and experienced to handle public affairs.
</blockquote>
<h3>Poor Service Delivery </h3>
Opposition party councillors have faced criticism from ZANU PF, accusing them of mismanaging urban councils. However, the opposition has responded by stating that the central government’s lack of funding for devolution has hindered their development programs. According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, local government authorities are entitled to receive 5 percent of the nation’s total budget. This allocation is intended to support their operations and promote local development. They are also allowed to raise revenue through property taxes, service charges, business licenses, local sales taxes, grants and transfers, fines and penalties, leasing public assets, local tourism taxes, and taxes on lotteries and gambling activities. 
The election of new Mayors and their deputies presents an opportunity for local authorities to address the challenges faced by their respective cities and work towards improving service delivery and overall governance.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare And Mutare Councils To Elect New Mayors And Deputies Today

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Harare has a total of 59 councillors who were elected through a proper process. Among these councillors, 5 belong to the ZANU PF party, while the CCC party has 40 councillors representing them.
Out of the total number of councillors, 14 of them were appointed through the women quota system. Among these 14, 4 councillors are from the ZANU PF party, and the remaining 10 councillors are from the CCC party.
Here is the list of duly elected Harare councillors as of 23rd August 2023, along with the respective wards they represent:
</div>
</div>
<div dir="auto">1. Temany Utete (M) 
2. Blessing Muroyiwa (M) 
3. Simbarashe Chanachimwe (M) 
4. Maburutse Boniface Kundai (M) 
5. Samuel Gwenzi (M) 
6. Zodiac Duri (M) 
7. Rosemary Muronda (F) 
8. Knowledge Mutapaire (M) 
9. Prince Mutebuka (M) 
10. Clayd Mashozhera (M) 
11. Felix Chabuda (M) 
12. Simon Manzanga (M) 
13. Chipo Betty Suka (F) 
14. Costa Mande (M) 
15. Tafadzwa Machirori (M) 
16. Denford Ngadziore (M) 
17. Happymore Gotora (M) 
18. Ian Muteto Makone (M) 
19. Jacob Mafume (M)</div>
<div dir="auto">20. Mercy Kasvosve (F) 
21. Alexio Nyakudya (M) 
22. Clemence Maimba (M) 
23. Stanley Manasi Manyenga (M) 
24. Lovemore Makuwerere (M) 
25. Jane Bhingari (F) 
26. Maxwell Dutuma (M) 
27. Womberaiishe Tirivangani Nhende (M) 
28. George Mujajati (M) 
29. Blessing Duma (M) 
30. Charles Chidagu (M) 
31. Joshua Pedzisai (M) 
32. Gaudencia Marera (F) 
33. Emmanuel Dzinomurumbi (M) 
34. Simon Mapanzure (M) 
35. Ever Joyce Kamusikiri (F)</div>
<div dir="auto">36. Lovejoy Chitengu (M) 
37. Richard Pamire (M) 
38. Rayrnond Mubaiwa Jakopo (M) 
39. Stephen Dhliwayo (M) 
40. Knowledge Bote (M) 
41. Kudzai Kadzombe (M) 
42. Elvis Ruzani (M) 
43. Austin Munamba (M) 
44. Adonia Shoko (M) 
45. Jubilation C Shoko (F)</div>
<div dir="auto"> </div>
<div dir="auto">Women Quota</div>
<div dir="auto">– Cecilia Revai Chimbiri (F) 
– Takudzwa Dzumbunu (F) 
– Moud Chinyerere (F) 
– Wendy Chengetai Muzuva (F) 
– Tiriboyi Sabina (F) 
– Mirriam Chirimuta (F) 
– Florence Cheza (F) 
– Chido Hamauswa (F) 
– Fadzai Mutasa (F) 
– Fadzai Matimba (F) 
– Charlotte Sabina Mukarati (F) 
– Teresa Taguma Tomasi (F) 
– Susan Chuma (F) 
– Winnet Nzou (F)</div>
<h3 dir="auto"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

FULL LIST: Harare's 59 Councillors And Their Wards

People in Harare are complaining about the very high fees for shop licenses, which businesses find too expensive. When applying for a license, there is a US$72 fee for inspection. If the inspection goes well, businesses then pay the actual license fee which varies depending on the desired category. On average, it amounts to approximately US$1000.
Simba Nyamadzawo, the founder of Infinite Inspiration Group (IIG), a Harare-based Leadership &amp; Motivation Company, believes that the fees are excessive, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited financial resources. He wrote an open letter to Harare Mayor advocate Jacob Mafume:
<blockquote>
Your worship @JMafume the shop license fees for @cohsunshinecity are exorbitant. What’s your take on that and can they be reviewed downwards. Alternatively could you break them down to allow quarterly payments. Tinzweiwo Mambo.
</blockquote>
Many people agreed with his views and called on the Harare City Council (HCC) to reconsider the excessively high license fees, which they believe are severely harming businesses.
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Mayor Jacob Mafume responded to the appeal stating that the local government authority will take the suggestions into account during the next budgetary planning. He said:
<blockquote>
We are doing the budget for this year soon after the elections. We had hoped to dollarise so that they can be set at 2010 levels which people were comfortable with but that was shot down.We will look into quarterly payments as you suggest .
</blockquote>
The Mayor has made previous promises to initiate a review. Specifically, in March of this year, the Mayor stated that the city officials should reevaluate the fees associated with licensing. He said:
<blockquote>
A lot of people are complaining. If you move from a premise, you can’t move with your licence. You have to pay again. Even if you do renovations. We also need to look at our licensing payment methods. We might need to introduce a quarterly payment system so that people can lessen the burden of paying and we might need a reduction in the quantum. I got a call from the Hairdressers Association. They wrote a letter complaining about the fees which means it’s a serious issue. Something went wrong when we were preparing the budget because almost everything went up.
</blockquote>
Mafume further stated that they had directed the finance committee of the council to thoroughly examine and revise the license fees. This decision was prompted by grievances expressed by business operators in Harare following a significant increase of over 1,000% in shop license fees. Harare had raised the fees for non-factory shops and food purveyors to over ZWL$1 million, a substantial jump from the previous average of ZWL$200,000.
<div class="in_article">
Due to the fee increase, numerous business owners have expressed their intention to potentially shut down their shops and relocate from the central business district. Noted a business operator, Mr Chris Manguni:
<blockquote>
We are on the verge of closing shop because we are failing to pay the shop license fees. Our plea is that the responsible authorities review downwards the operator’s fees or else we are left with no option, but to close our shops which are sustaining a lot of families. 
</blockquote>
In January this year, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/ninety-two-council-budgets-approved/">approved ninety-two budgets</a> for 2023 presented by local authorities, with four being rejected for various reasons.
A number of small to medium enterprise businesspersons <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/businesses-in-harare-challenge-licence-fee-hike/">signed a petition</a> against the increase saying they were not consulted on issues of city budgets. One businesswoman operating hair salons in the capital said her licence fee went up from US$400 to US$640.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>
</div>

Outcry Over Very High Shop License Fees In Harare

An official from Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, CCC, has said they have not abandoned jailed member Job Sikhala but were trying to avoid making “the situation worse”.
A former MDC Alliance principal, Jacob Ngarivhume, who is the leader of Transform Zimbabwe, was also arrested and sentenced to four years imprisonment.
Ngarivhume was in April 2023 found guilty of inciting public violence; using his X (Twitter) handle to call for the 31st July 2020 nationwide anti-government protests.
Speaking in an interview with Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube on the platform In Conversation with Trevor, Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said CCC leaders were avoiding actions that would land them in trouble. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200015354/weve-not-abandoned-sikhala">NewsDay</a> quoted Mafume as saying:
<blockquote>
We want to avoid the acts of the oppressor becoming an indictment on you. The continued detention of Sikhala and Ngarivhume is not an indictment on us.
It is an indictment on those people that are detaining him and also an indictment on the Judiciary that allows itself to be in a position where it detains somebody on pre-trial incarceration for more than a year.
What we could do to make the situation worse is to go again on unplanned processes that might actually cloud the situation as to who is the problem here.
</blockquote>
Mafume, who has been in opposition politics for many years, said they now know how to deal with an oppressive system. He said:
<blockquote>
We have gathered a lot of experience now. We still have the same fire, but we now have the benefit or the wisdom of hindsight.
We know what is in the realm of the possible, what to push and also to measure and manage our excitement at any process that we are doing and also to avoid certain dangers not only to ourselves but also to our supporters.
The 2008 violence taught us a different whole new side to what we were facing and how to measure our tactics and what we need to do and how we do it going forward in many ways to avoid harming ourselves and causing harm to supporters who in most cases would be innocent.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CCC Has Not Abandoned Sikhala - Mafume

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) prevented Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume from commissioning Rufaro Stadium this morning. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the event was subsequently rescheduled to Wednesday and then Thursday, only to be cancelled following orders from the police.
Journalists and council officials were instructed to leave the stadium, which is still undergoing renovations. Despite claiming that the stadium is 95% complete, Mayor Mafume received instructions from the Mbare Police not to proceed with the commissioning ceremony.
In response to media inquiries about the stadium’s status and the matter of maintaining law and order, the police released a statement redirecting all questions to the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Province, Tafadzwa Muguti. The ZRP emphasizes that it follows the guidance of the Permanent Secretary, who holds responsibility for government and local authorities’ programs in the city. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
With regards to media queries on the status of Rufaro Stadium in Harare and the issue of maintenance of law and order, the ZRP reiterates that it stands guided by the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Province as he is the one in charge of Government and local authorities programmes in the city.
</blockquote>
The incident occurs after President Emerson Mnangagwa told ZANU PF supporters at a campaign rally on Wednesday that the central government would renovate Rufaro Stadium, facilitating the return of the Dynamos football club to play their home games there.
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