Political circus at council continues
…city to have fourth mayor in 4 months
THE political circus in the CCC-led Harare City Council is not showing signs of ending following the recalling of mayor Councillor Lovejoy Chitengu, barely a month after assuming office, with the capital now poised to have its fourth mayor in as many months.
Cllr Chitengu was first recalled in November, but remained in office because of an error in the recall letter which omitted the letter “N” from his surname.
He remained a councillor on the basis of that typographical mistake and the opposition councillors subsequently elected him Harare mayor on November 21, apparently to spite interim CCC secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu.
CCC infighting has seriously affected service delivery at a time the city is battling a cholera outbreak which has claimed dozens of lives.
Prior to the harmonised elections in August, Jacob Mafume was the mayor before being replaced by Ian Makone who was recalled last month and subsequently replaced by Cllr Chitengu.
Now, the councillors must choose a new mayor.
In a letter dated December 12, Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando advised Harare Town Clerk that there had been a correction to the recall letter of Chitengu.
The letter read: “Reference is made to our minute to yourselves dated November 13; your minute to ourselves dated November 16 and the received communication from Citizens Coalition for Change dated November 26 on the matter of Lovejoy Chitengu who has ceased to be a member.
“In terms of section 278(1) of the Con- stitution of Zimbabwe as read with section 129(1)(k), ward 36 is vacant, please proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the vacancy,” reads the letter.
Combined Harare Residents Association director Mr Reuben Akili said the ongoing rampant recalls of councillors would affect service delivery and urged CCC to put its house in order.
“In our view these actions are not compatible with democratic principles and values and are a direct attack on democracy and good governance. It is counterproductive and costly,” he said.