President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged local authorities to shun corruption and instead, strive to be centres of excellence that provide leadership and innovative best practices.
Addressing more than 2,000 councillors from all 92 local authorities at the Zimbabwe Local Government Association, “All Councillors Indaba” held in Harare on Tuesday, November 26, Mnangagwa warned that corrupt councillors will face the full wrath of the law. He said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/corruption-in-councils-president-cracks-whip/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
I am deeply concerned by cases of corruption in the local government space and the entire society.
Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country’s law. No one, including local authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace from our society.
All local authorities; urban or rural, big or small, remain an integral cog of the local governance system.
You should, therefore, operate in unison, always collaborating, sharing experiences and sharpening yourselves towards responsive policy-making at the grassroots level for the benefit of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
As institutions leading the implementation of service delivery, I expect you to be centres of excellence, providing leadership and innovative best practices across the local governance spectrum.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa urged councils to be responsive to residents’ demands for sustainable, efficient, and affordable services, emphasizing the importance of regular consultations with the public.
He also commended the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for working with the Chitepo School of Ideology in training Mayors, Council Chairpersons, and Executives. He said:
<blockquote>
We are a nation born out of the invaluable sacrifices of many gallant sons and daughters. We will never divorce ourselves from that enduring reality.
I applaud the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for collaborating with the Chitepo School of Ideology, to train mayors, council chairpersons and executives.
This initiative seeks to advance our shared national vision, interests and priorities within the public sector, as enshrined in our national Constitution.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa called on all Government tiers to effectively participate in disaster risk management, especially following the commencement of the 2024/2025 rainfall season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

President Mnangagwa wants local councils to be very good and not corrupt. He told over 2,000 councillors to work together and be great leaders. He said anyone caught being corrupt will be punished. He also wants councils to listen to people and provide good services. The President praised the training of mayors and council leaders. He also asked everyone to be ready for disasters in the rainy season. Everyone needs to work together to make Zimbabwe a better place.

Mnangagwa Challenges Councils To Adopt Best Practices And Eradicate Corruption

Bulawayo mayor, David Coltart, said that there is low morale among the city’s councillors, stating that they are poorly paid, forcing them to rely on allowances to make ends meet.
During the “In Conversation with Trevor” series held in Bulawayo on Tuesday, Coltart revealed that the councillors are compelled to take on at least two jobs to survive, given the inadequate compensation they receive for their municipal duties. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030332/ncube-challenges-govt-to-increase-coltarts-pay">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
I get paid an allowance of US$47 a month as mayor and councillors are paid even less, so there is very low morale among councillors. Councillors are constantly finding ways of supplementing.
We spend far too much time on workshops and we do the practical day-to-day business that needs to be done, because, without workshops, councillors can’t survive.
The major problem is the change from executive to ceremonial mayors. It means that mayors and councillors need to have at least two jobs and definitely, they need a job outside of being mayors and they balance the income.
</blockquote>
Coltart urged the government to consider adopting a model similar to South Africa, where mayors hold executive powers rather than serving in a purely ceremonial role. He said:
<blockquote>
If they are like the citizens of South Africa, whose full-time job is running the city and it reflects globally, that’s something that the government needs to look at.
If I could admit that if I committed 24 hours to this job, there is no doubt that we could achieve a lot more, you can’t just work in an executive power with limited powers.
</blockquote>
Earlier this year, in January, Coltart revealed that his monthly income amounted to only US$25.
This disclosure came after some opposition activists had demanded that he resign after the Citizens’ Coalition for Change party had been hijacked by Sengezo Tshabangu.
Coltart said that his decision not to step down was not motivated by personal greed, but rather by his commitment to serve the residents of Bulawayo.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo mayor, David Coltart, says councillors are paid very little and have to take on extra jobs to survive. He wants government to increase their pay so they can focus on their duties. He thinks mayors should have more power like in South Africa to do a better job. Coltart only gets $47 a month as mayor and $25 more. Some people wanted him to quit, but he stays to help people in Bulawayo.

Coltart Challenges Government To Increase Councillors' Pay

Murehwa West MP Farai Jere has urged the Government to ensure that councillors are paid a basic monthly salary plus allowances.
Currently, councillors in Zimbabwe are only given an allowance, which is less than US$100.
Speaking during the debate of his motion on conditions of service to improve the plight of councillors, Jere said (<a href="https://openparly.com/farai-jere-wants-councillors-paid-a-basic-monthly-salary-plus-allowances/">via Open Parly</a>):
<blockquote>
Councillors’ compensation should align with international best practices on local governance and government remuneration aimed at facilitating good governance. This outlines that local elected officials should receive salaries.
What has been approved Madam Speaker, is an allowance. We are proposing that these councillors should be entitled to a basic salary plus those allowances as part of the presentation.
Allowances should cover expenses incurred during official duties, and… remuneration packages should be regularly reviewed by independent bodies to match evolving roles and maintain public confidence.
The current situation on the ground has been overtaken by events, where councillors were earning something like 115 which was equivalent to US$9 per sitting at the current official rate of exchange.
There is a need for a Statutory Instrument to mandate appropriate compensation parameters linked to responsibilities and constituency sizes. This would enhance compliance with international standards.
I propose that national legislation outlines basic salary, allowances and a performance-based bonus framework for our councillors.
It is very sad to let this House know that the welfare of the councillors as we speak now, is the responsibility of the Hon. Members.
They are funding their operations as they are regarded as the foot soldiers of our constituencies…
The proposed remuneration will aim to cover basic expenses, opportunity costs and productive costs incurred by councillors in fulfilling their demanding official duty across potential vast wards.
</blockquote>
The government recently reviewed the allowances of local authority employees, that is, mayors, deputy mayors, committee chairpersons and councillors.
This was revealed in a circular from the Minister for Local Government and Public Works, which was copied to the Permanent Secretary of Local Government and Public Works, and all Provincial Directors for Local Government Services, and addressed to the President of the Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe, A Shamu.
According to the circular, dated 27 February 2024, the allowances which are with effect from 1 January 2024, are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Mayors/Chairpersons – ZWL$1,629,906</li>
<li>Deputy Mayors/Chairpersons – ZWL$1,494,081</li>
<li>Committee Chairpersons – ZWL$1,412,585</li>
<li>Councillor – ZWL$1,358,255</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Councillors Must Be Paid A Basic Monthly Salary Plus Allowances - Farai Jere

Some CCC councillors in Bulawayo are reportedly plotting to defy party leader Nelson Chamisa’s directive to vote for David Coltart and Dumisani Nkomo for the city mayor and deputy mayor position, respectively.
In the run-up to the 2023 Harmonised Elections, Chamisa publicly endorsed Coltart as the party’s mayoral candidate in Bulawayo.
Coltart is a lawyer and former Minister of Education, while Nkomo is a civil rights campaigner.
The election for the city’s new mayor was initially scheduled to be conducted after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
However, the election was postponed to Monday after the Ministry of Local Government ordered all councillors to attend an induction meeting in Gweru on Thursday and Friday.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/byo-councillors-plot-to-defy-chamisas-directive-on-mayor-deputy-mayor/">CITE</a> reported that some senior CCC officials in Bulawayo summoned the councillors on Wednesday morning before their swearing-in ceremony and instructed them to choose their preferred candidates.
A councillor who spoke to CITE on condition of anonymity claimed that the CCC officials are against the election of Coltart and Nkomo because the two will not give in to their demands. Said the councillor:
<blockquote>
The challenge is that there are people who want to go against what the party planned. There are external people, with huge amounts of money and with ulterior motives (of corruption) who are trying to push for their candidates to be elected on Monday.
They don’t want Coltart and Nkomo because they know they will not bend to their demands. There are reports that some councillors have already been given money by these people.
We also have it in good authority that they are hoping if Mabuto is the one to be elected as deputy mayor, then they can ride on that to push for their candidates again to chair strategic council committees to push their agenda.
It’s a pity because if they fall into this trap they will be recalled. That is the party position.
</blockquote>
CCC national spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi told CITE that the councillors have been instructed to vote for Coltart for the mayoral position. He said:
<blockquote>
As a party, we work with clear guidelines. Bulawayo has been advised accordingly on who will be mayor, and that is David Coltart. He was even endorsed at a rally in the city.
As for the deputy mayor, the councillors there have been told who has been chosen by the party.
Any other rumour will not be entertained and the party members are expected to act according to the guidelines of the party.
</blockquote>
CCC won all the Local Authority seats in Bulawayo as well as all the parliamentary seats in the province in the 2023 Harmonised Elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Some Bulawayo Councillors Plot To Defy Chamisa's Directive On Mayor

The Government plans to enact a law that bars uneducated people from running for local authority seats in a move meant to ensure the election of competent councillors capable of running local government affairs and thereby improve service delivery.
Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/uneducated-politicians-to-be-locked-out-of-councils">The Sunday Mail</a> that the Attorney-General (AG)’s office is currently drafting amendments to the Rural Districts Council Act.
The Bill will, among other things, seek to fix qualifications for those running for council office, as well as provide regulations for the suspension and removal of councillors from office.
Moyo revealed that Cabinet adopted principles to the Bill in March last year. He said:
<blockquote>
We sent the principles to the AG’s office and once a draft Bill is completed, it will be sent to Cabinet.
In terms of councillors’ qualifications, the main aim was to ensure that councillors have minimum qualifications, for example, having a tertiary education qualification.
So, once the draft Bill is done, it will spell out exactly what the minimum qualification will be.
We have counterparts who think the process of selecting a councillor is a popularity contest.
However, we view it as a governance issue, one which affects a lot of issues — ranging from the provision of sanitation, and creating an attractive business environment to attracting international investment.
So, we believe that individuals running a city, town or even a rural district must be capable and have the requisite skills and knowledge.
</blockquote>
Moyo, however, noted that the new regulations will not be ready for the general elections scheduled for later this year.
He said running councils is a serious matter, therefore, they need to be run by people of higher intellectual calibre.
The opposition councillors have often been accused of incompetence and corruption with some of them reportedly acquiring numerous residential stands during their terms of office whilst service delivery continues to deteriorate.
However, some observers argue that it would be unfair to discriminate against people based on their level of education.
They say it is the duty of the electorate to select candidates they deem capable of fulfilling their aspirations regardless of their level of education.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

New Law To Set Minimum Qualifications For Councillors

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo has, with immediate effect, suspended three Kwekwe councillors for alleged gross incompetence.
The councillors are Angeline Kasipo (CCC), who is the former Kwekwe mayor, Melody Chingarande (CCC) and Makomborero Mlambo (ZANU PF).
The three councillors were suspended on the same day MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora recalled Kwekwe Deputy Mayor Pikurai Msipa and two other councillors.
A letter by Minister Moyo dated 28 February 2023 reads in part:
<blockquote>
In line with Section 114(2) of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter (29:15) as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act Number 8, of 2016, I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you Councillor Angeline Kasipo have committed acts of gross misconduct, gross incompetence, and willful violation of the law as referenced in subsection (1) (b) (C) and (e) and hereby suspend you with immediate effect, from the office of Councillor of City of Kwekwe, Ward 10 in terms of Section 114 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15)as amended by Section 3 of the Local Government Amendment Act, Number 8 of 2016.
</blockquote>
The councillors allegedly participated in a council process where a motion had been submitted by Councillor Ndlovu, Msipa, Chingarande, Ngwenya and Moyo on a review of the 2023 approved budget. Wrote Moyo:
<blockquote>
You supported the proposal and secondment of the illegal resolution passed on 27 January 2023 of reviewing an approved budget though you were advised by the Chamber Secretary about the illegality.
This was in Violation of the Public Finance Management Act (Chapter 22:19) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
</blockquote>
Moyo said due to their actions the Kwekwe City Council became ungovernable, illegally operating without a budget.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Local Government Minister Suspends Three Kwekwe Councillors

MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has ordered recalls on 13 party councillors from four local authorities for alleged disloyalty.
<a href="https://www.zimlive.com/mwonzora-goes-on-rapid-fire-recalls-13-councillors/">ZimLive</a> reported that Mwonzora recalled councillors from Norton, Kwekwe, Kadoma and Mutare.
He accused the councillors of having sympathies with opposition rival Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC).
The councillors learnt of their recall in a letter written to Town Clerks of the concerned local authorities by Local Government Minister July Moyo.
In a letter written to Norton Town Clerk, Moyo said:
<blockquote>
I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) stating that the following councillors have been expelled from the party; Rosemary Chinoyera (Ward 9), Charles Dube (Ward 2) and Muchaneta Munyeveri (Ward 3).
</blockquote>
Also recalled from Kwekwe City Council are Pikirai Musipa (Ward 3), Charles Juta (Ward 7) and Betty Ndhlovu (Ward 13).
Mwonzora went on to issue recalls on three councillors in Mutare and four in Kadoma, including the town’s mayor.
One of the recalled councillors told ZimLive that they were targeted for their allegiance to CCC. Said the councillor:
<blockquote>
It (recall) was a surprise to everyone. Obviously, on their side, they sat down and found it appropriate to recall us.
We support President Nelson Chamisa and we have not been ambiguous about it.
In my case, I told him straight up that I am CCC. I have never attended even one MDC-T meeting.
</blockquote>
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mwonzora Recalls 13 More MDC Alliance Councillors

The MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora recently recalled three Gweru urban councillors on allegations of hobnobbing with CCC led by Nelson Chamisa.
The three councillors, Martin Chivhoko ward 4, Cleopas Shiri ward 5 and John Manyundwa ward 18 were recalled on 17 October.
Acting Gweru Town Clerk Douglas has since written to them notifying them of their expulsion and declaring vacancies in their wards.
A letter from Local Government and Public Works minister July Moyo dated 11 October 2022 informed Chikwekwe of the trio’s recall by the MDC-T. Reads this letter:
<blockquote>
I wish to inform you that, I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) stating that the following councillors have been expelled from the party: Cllr Martin Chivhoko ward 4, Cllr Cleopas Shiri ward 5 and Cllr John Manyundwa ward 18.
In terms of section 278 (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with section (1) (k) the above-mentioned wards are now vacant.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://tellzim.com/douglas-mwonzora-recalls-3-gweru-councillors/">TellZim News</a> reported a source as saying the three councillors were being punished for refusing to agree to the awarding of “Freedom of City Status” of Gweru to President Mnangagwa a few weeks ago. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The three councillors were targeted for being vocal in declining the suggestion to award President Mnangagwa the freedom of city status in Gweru though they also have made it public knowledge that they follow Chamisa and CCC.
</blockquote>
Shiri said the recall was overdue as he expected it long back, as far back as ten months ago. He said:
<blockquote>
I have been waiting for the recall for the past 10 months after being threatened for refusing to step down as Deputy Mayor to pave way for Ward 9 councillor Edson Kurebgaseka.
My recall is on the basis of politicking and refusing to accord Freedom of the City status to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
</blockquote>
Mwonzora recently recalled six councillors from Binga Rural District Council and two more from Victoria Falls.

Mwonzora Recalls Three Gweru Urban Councillors

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has reviewed the allowances of mayors, deputy mayors/chairpersons, committee chairpersons and councillors.
In a circular dated 14 September 2022, addressed to all town clerks/secretaries and all chief executive officers, Local Government and Public Works Ministry permanent secretary Zvinechimwe Churu said the allowances have been reviewed with effect from 1 August 2022. It read:
Local authorities are hereby advised that effective 1 August 2022, allowances have been reviewed as follows:
1. Mayors/Chairpersons – ZW$138 575.40
2. Deputy Mayors/Chairpersons – ZW$127 027.45
3. Committee Chairpersons – ZW$120 098.68
4. Councillors – $115 479.50
However, councils are advised that payment of these allowances is subject to performance of the local authority.
Please note that this circular rescinds all previous communication relating to this subject matter and its interpretation of this circular rests with the undersigned.

Govt Reviews Councillors' Allowances

Beitbridge councillors, who are all CCC members, have accused the government of sidelining them during State functions held in the border town.
The complaint, which was raised at a full council meeting last week, follows the official opening of the upgraded Beitbridge Border Post by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Only Beitbridge mayor Munyaradzi Chitsunge was invited to the event but was made to sit in a public tent.
He was not even on the salutations list of officials who spoke, including Mnangagwa. Ward 3 councillor Takaendepi Mahachi said:
<blockquote>
We are not recognised at State events taking place in our town. At the official opening of the upgraded border, we were left out and yet now we are being asked to attend the indaba to be addressed by President Mnangagwa.
Why do they know us now and yet when they come here they don’t recognise us?
</blockquote>
Councillor Morgen Ncube queried why Beitbridge councillors were snubbed at the event yet in Harare, the mayor and councillors were invited and even recognised during proceedings. He said:
<blockquote>
They are even addressed. We are councillors of all people and not just those who elected us and if we are excluded it means those people have been left out, which is not proper.
They made it (border official opening) look like a ZANU PF function. They could have left us out at their private rally later held at Dulivhadzimo Stadium, but during a public function, officials should be mature to know we have people behind us.
</blockquote>
Town clerk Loud Ramagkapola took the blame saying all Beitbridge councillors should have been included on the list. He said:
<blockquote>
We submitted a list including all councillors and these lists are vetted elsewhere.
We may have failed to follow up after the final list, but it is true that all Beitbridge councillors should have been included on behalf of Beitbridge residents.
These are the town fathers and we will in future liaise with the authorities responsible to include them.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000474/govt-sidelining-us-ccc-cllrs">NewsDay</a>

CCC Councillors Accuse Govt Of Sidelining Them

Twenty-three (23) new Harare City Council Councillors were sworn in on Thursday, with former mayor Herbert Gomba set to be sworn in this Friday.
The swearing-in of the councillors follows the holding of by-elections countrywide on 26 March to fill vacancies created by recalls, deaths and diplomatic postings since the 2018 general elections.
After the swearing-in ceremony, CCC’s Denford Ngadziore moved a motion to hold mayoral elections within 24 hours to replace Jacob Mafume who was recalled by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Said Ngadziore:
<blockquote>
Since Mafume’s recall, there was no properly constituted full council meeting to elect the mayor. Under those circumstances, it’s the duty of the full council to do that.
That’s why we have called for an urgent special council meeting. There are urgent issues that need the attention of the mayor.
</blockquote>
The motion was seconded by Kudzai Kadzombe.
<figure class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 2048px"><img alt="Image" decoding="async" height="1152" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPvu4adVcBALXMj?format=jpg&amp;name=large" width="2048"/><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Cllr Kudzai Kadzombe taking the oath of office</figcaption></figure>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/04/23-harare-councillors-take-oath-of-office/">NewsDay</a></h4>

New Harare Councillors Take Oath Of Office

At least 11 Gweru Urban and four Vungu Rural District MDC Alliance councillors have defected to the MDC-T party led by Douglas Mwonzora.
The councillors on Thursday attended a meeting held at Town House chaired by MDC-T secretary for local government, Faith Musarurwa Kamutsungira.
The councillors who left the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance at Gweru City Council are Notal Dzika (ward 8), Charles Chikozho (ward 10), Trust Chinese (ward 15), Catherine Mhondiwa (ward 13), Tawanda Magidi (ward 16), Doubt Ncube (ward 3), Farai Muza (ward 17), Godfrey Giwa (ward 6), Gideon Mugariri (ward 7), John Manyundwa (ward 18) and Edson Kurebgaseka (ward 9).
There are 18 councillors at the local authority and reports indicate that the seven who did not attend apologised for not making it to the meeting.
The four Vungu councillors who defected to the MDC-T are Benjamin Mpala (ward 7), Spiwe Moyo (ward 8), Nyika Parirenyatwa (ward 16) and Restart Muswere (ward 10) and were part of the MDC-T indaba.
MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube on Friday confirmed the defections but said the councillors were always part of the political party. Said, Dube:
<blockquote>
MDC-T is the parent party to MDC Alliance and not vice-versa. The councillors who came were always members of the MDC-T first before they were erroneously said to have joined another issue (sic).
</blockquote>
Recently, Chamisa said MPs and councillors were defecting from his party due to poverty.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/09/11-gweru-councillors-defect-to-mdc-t/">NewsDay</a></h4>

11 Gweru MDC Alliance Councillors Defect To MDC-T

The Government has reinstated four Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) councillors who were suspended last month by Local Government Deputy Minister, Marian Chombo.
The councillors are David Moyo (Ward 15), Mary Shelton (Ward 2), Earnest Sibanda (Ward 13) and Sisa Moyo (Ward 8).
They were suspended together with their chairperson, Councillor Alexander Mhlanga for allegedly working in cahoots with suspended Umguza RDC Chief Executive Officer Collen Moyo who is facing criminal charges to throw spanners into Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)’s investigations.
Umguza RDC is currently being investigated by ZACC on land allocation corruption and other related underhand deals.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, K. L Murefu-Tshuma wrote a letter to the concerned councillors’ lawyers, Tanaka Law Chambers dated 12 August, advising them that the Ministry had withdrawn suspension letters. The letter read:
<blockquote>
We acknowledge receipt of the urgent chamber application. The Ministry has withdrawn the suspension letters. We, therefore, request a withdrawal of the matter before the courts.
</blockquote>
Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo has also written to the four councillors also notifying them of the withdrawal of the suspension letters. Moyo wrote:
<blockquote>
Taking cognizance of the urgent chamber application, which you filed with the Bulawayo High Court, case no 1091/21, I hereby withdraw the suspension letter dated 2 July 2021.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/govt-reinstates-umguza-rdc-councillors/">CITE</a></h4>

Govt Reinstates Suspended Umguza RDC Councillors

Controversial Norton MP, Temba Mliswa (Independent) has appealed to voters in his constituency to ditch Zanu PF and MDC councillors and vote for independent candidates in the 2023 general elections.
In a communique he released on Friday to the residents of Norton, Mliswa said independent candidates are not bound by party ideologies hence they are free to serve their communities. Said Mliswa:
<blockquote>You chose me as an independent Member of Parliament, why can we not elect independent councillors too?
Independent councillors are not restricted by party politics but are councillors who are driven to serve the interests of the community and its development thereof.
Councillors who are acutely aware of and desirous of addressing people’s needs.
I trust that in the next election, people will vote with these things in mind.</blockquote>
The majority of urban councils in Zimbabwe are run by the MDC and the Zanu PF government has accused them of incompetence and engaging in high-level corruption.
Mliswa challenged Norton residents to votes wisely as voting for incompetent councillors means that they will endure another wasted five years. He said:
<blockquote>It is a dead-end. Those five years of contemplating where to put your X are critically important, it marks the entry of development or its exit.
So I cannot emphasise enough the importance of making the right choices.
Participation is key because not participating is a vote too and makes one lose the right to complain at another’s choice.
So Norton, let us vote wisely, let us vote for those who care and are able to diligently work towards Norton become the Dubai of Zimbabwe!</blockquote>

Mliswa Challenges Voters To Elect Independent Councillors

Three MDC Alliance (MDC-A) councillors have dumped the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance and joined the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe.
The development was confirmed by MDC-T secretary for women’s assembly in Mbizo district, Rita Munyorovi-Svova.
Munyorovi-Svova revealed that the councillors are from Ward 2, 11 and 12. She said:
<blockquote>They all belong to MDC-T. In fact, they must not make the mistake of following an individual (Nelson Chamisa) but should follow the party (MDC-T).
People should read and understand the constitution of the MDC-T.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, MDC-A Midlands secretary for information Takavafira Zhou said it is the democratic right of the three councillors to decide on whomever they want to associate with. Said Zhou:
<blockquote>In politics, there is freedom of association and disassociation. We don’t have any problem with them, in fact, we wish them good luck.
But we foresee them coming back. As MDC-A led by Nelson Chamisa, we will soldier on.</blockquote>
Using a controversial Supreme Court ruling delivered a few hours after the country went into lockdown in March, the MDC-T has so far recalled at least 21 legislators from both the National Assembly and Senate as well as several councillors.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has said by-elections for vacant constituencies and wards would be held when the government relaxes lockdown restrictions.
<h4>More: <a href="http://newziana.co.zw/2020/08/31/three-kwekwe-mdc-alliance-councillors-defect-to-khupe-faction/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Ziana</a></h4>

3 MDC-A Councillors In Kwekwe Defect To Khupe

MDC president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nelson Chamisa</a> has defended the party’s councillors especially those running urban councils, saying they have maintained the highest form of integrity.
Chamisa asserted that the central government makes it difficult for councillors to do their job, and if it were not because of MDC councillors, cities would have been converted into villages. Said Chamisa:
<blockquote>Our councillors have maintained the highest form of integrity. Had it not been for the MDC you will not have cities. You will have villages and townships. They have a fantastic job.
They have not failed the people what has failed the people is the central government. Water, in terms of the Water Act, is the preserve of the President. In fact, the President is the owner of water.
You can’t then blame MDC being the horse pipe I’m told the Harare City’s budget has not been approved why? Because the minister of local government has not approved that budget.</blockquote>
Why should a minister who has no mandate from the residents approve that budget? When they don’t approve the budget, they then kill service.
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MDC_Alliance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MDC Alliance</a> is in control of the country’s major cities, that is Harare, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Bulawayo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bulawayo</a>, Gweru, Mutare and Kwekwe because of its dominance in urban areas during elections.
However, the opposition councillors have often been accused of corruption and gross incompetence resulting in poor service delivery in towns and cities.
<h4>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenParlyZw/status/1230095467536617472" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@OpenParlyZw</a></h4>

Chamisa Defends MDC Councillors, 'They Saved Harare From Becoming A Village'

Councillors in rural and urban councils have commended the government for setting their sitting allowances at an equivalent of 50 per cent of those paid to Members of Parliament.
Urban Council Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) president Clr Josiah Makombe (MDC Alliance), who is also the Mayor of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gweru" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gweru</a>, expressed gratitude to the government for the gesture. He said:
<blockquote>I’m happy to note that we negotiated with Government as local authority councillors and are now getting half of sitting allowances which Members of Parliament get. This is in the spirit of the devolution agenda and we are very grateful to the Government for the gesture.</blockquote>
The government has embarked on devolution, which is as a key component of the new <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constitution_of_Zimbabwe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Constitution of Zimbabwe</a> in 2013.
Provincial governments are mandated to spearhead economic and social development projects in their areas.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/councillors-get-half-mps-sitting-allowances/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Councillors Receive Improved Sitting Allowances

The Harare City Council (HCC) is set to give its councillors residential stands in line with 2011 ministerial directive which allowed sitting chairperson and mayors to access residential stands in their or adjacent wards.
Minutes of the council’s housing committee reads in part:
<blockquote>The director of housing and community services reported that the circular provided that councillors shall access residential stands in the same local authority at 40 per cent of the cost of the price of the stand for those serving the first term irrespective of whether or not one owns such property prior to assuming public office.</blockquote>
Housing committee chairperson Hammy Madzingira had this to say:
<blockquote>The director of housing is supposed to have started the process last month. Councillors had also felt that city official without residential stands should also be considered for allocation of residential stands.</blockquote>
<h4>More:<a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/03/04/harare-councillors-to-get-residential-stands"> Daily News</a></h4>

Harare City Council To Give Residential Stands To Councillors

Addressing a Zanu-PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting at the party’s headquarters in Harare last week, President Mnangagwa accused MDC-T Councillors of sabotage.
Mnangagwa also said the resurfacing of roads in urban areas in now being done by the Zanu-PF controlled Ministry of Transport. Said Mnangagwa: 
<blockquote>I am aware that issues relating to health, education, and availability of clean water are important aspects to all women. Let me assure you that my Government is attending to these matters. Most of the urban councils are MDC controlled and you can see the potholes, how our towns have deteriorated. As a matter of fact you can see now that there is a bit of resurfacing the roads here and there but that is not by the council, it is being done by the Ministry of Transport we have decided that they must intervene, this is what we are doing.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-blasts-mdc-t-councillors-for-sabotage/">Herald</a>

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