BREAKING: Minister Chitando recalls 12 Councillors in Bulawayo

In a letter addressed to the Town Clerk of Bulawayo, Mr. Christopher Dube, Winston Chitando, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, has officially recalled a group of councilors following a communication from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) indicating their departure from the political party.

The letter serves as a formal notice of the recall of the following councillors:

1. Shepherd Sithole, Ward 1

2. Nkosinathi Hove-Mpofu, Ward 6

3. Donaldson Mabutho, Ward 9

4. Takunda Felix Madzana, Ward 18

5. Simbarashe Dube, Ward 20

6. Tinevimbo Maphosa, Ward 21

7. Thobeka Mmeli, Ward 22

8. Arnold Batirai, Ward 24

9. Sarah Cronje, PR Councillor

10. Mhizha Tabeth, PR Councillor

11. Sibanda Dorcas, PR Councillor

12. Zibusiso Tshongwe, PR Councillor

This action is in accordance with Section 278(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with Section (1)(k), which states that the specified wards are now considered vacant following the councilors’ cessation of membership in the Citizens Coalition for Change political party.

Minister Chitando’s letter also stipulates that, in accordance with Section 121 of the Electoral Act, the Town Clerk should proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission about the newly declared vacancies. The Electoral Commission will then undertake the necessary steps to facilitate the by-elections to fill the now vacant positions.

This development has significant implications for the local government structure in Bulawayo, as the affected wards will soon undergo a selection process to choose new representatives in the upcoming by-elections. The Minister’s decision to act on the CCC’s notification reflects the importance of adhering to Zimbabwe’s constitutional and legal processes when it comes to changes in political representation at the local level.

The recall of these councilors marks a notable development in the political landscape of Bulawayo, with the Citizens Coalition for Change evidently undergoing internal changes that have cascading effects on local governance.