Will the interim’s New Local Government Caucus Appointment Improve Municipal Service Delivery?

By Staff Writer

In what may be seen as a new twist or turn in the Citizens for Coalition Change, recently the self-imposed interim Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu introduced the new Local Government Caucus.

The new local Government caucus includes Harare Mayor Clr Jacob Mafume as the chairperson, Vice-chairperson Bulawayo Municipality Crl Edwin Ndlovu, Karoi Mayor Crl Kudakwashe Chigumo as the Secretary, Treasurer- Crl Abigail Sauti from Chinhoyi municipality, Vice Secretary Plumtree Mayor Crl Similo Ndlovu, Spokesperson Marondera municipality, Crl Chengetai Murova, Organiser Marondera municipality Crl Maidei Muhamadi, Vice Organiser Gweru municipality Crl Violet Mutusva, Legal Affairs, Mutare Mayor Crl Simon Chabuka, Disability and Women Binga RDC Crl Judith Sibanda and other 3 committee members Crl Mabika Edmore from Chipinge, Deputy Mayor Crl John Manatsa Beitbridge municipality, and Harare City Crl George Mujajati.

The appointments seemed controversial considering how negative feedback was pouring in on X attacking the SG’ in appointing the local government caucus.

In an interview with Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) Chief of Staff Nqobizitha Mlilo, the appointments were made as per suggestions made to the Interim Secretary General by the councilors themselves.

“The priority is local government service delivery. In the context of the difficulties self-evident in the country, the caucus should harness all energies for common development, the roles are encapsulated in the titles thereof,” Mlilo told Zimba News.

He emphasized that this development will provide the necessary administrative and political direction.

“Councilors are civil servants by another name. This should assist to root the councilors in their communities and across communities,” he added.

However, the question remains between the Local Government caucus and the leadership that is already there in every municipality.

Can’t they fulfill their responsibilities towards their respective municipalities without being part of the caucus?

The feedback on X with regards to this development shows that members of the public think otherwise as they were against the idea.

“We don’t care! Chi party chenyu chiri kumboiteiko? What have you achieved so far since you hijacked CCC.”

“Enemy of the people!”

“Nonsensical”

These were some of the comments posted on X.

However, Senator Tshabangu on X posted, “The people’s struggle won’t be held back by those who don’t respect authorities that be, our recent appointment of Cllr Mafume as our party’s Local Government Caucus Chairman and Edwin Ndlovu his deputy, with Bulawayo councilor Ndlovu as our spokesperson won’t be reversed at all.”

The CCC has been facing serious internal divisions since its former leader Nelson Chamisa resigned following recalls of the party MPs aligned to his leadership by Tshabangu.

Now the question remains will the new leadership ideologies address and fill in the gaps created in service delivery?