Harare chooses new mayor

By Problem Masau | Nov. 22, 2023

Tshabangu has been on an onslaught recalling several CCC MPs and councillors arguing that they had ceased to be members of the opposition party.

Councillor Lovejoy Chitengu was yesterday elected Harare mayor following the recall of Ian Makone by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) self-proclaimed interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu.

Tshabangu has been on an onslaught recalling several CCC MPs and councillors arguing that they had ceased to be members of the opposition party.

In his inaugural address, Chitengu expressed both sadness over the recall of his colleagues and relief at the council’s resilience in the face of adversity.

“It is a sad moment because the other recalled councillors are such hard workers who have made their mark over the period of their term cut short by these recalls. It is sad that this is happening, not because they have done anything wrong but for being precisely the opposite,” he said.

Chitengu also acknowledged the assurances that the recalled councillors had given, that they would remain available for consultation on a wide range of decisions the council must take.

He also expressed hope for their return to the chamber, either because of a court decision or the ballot within the next 90 days.

“I ask you to understand that the majority party in this chamber, CCC, which is led by Nelson Chamisa, weighed the injustice caused by the unnecessary recall of our colleagues, against the loftier goal of serving the residents of this great city,” Chitengu said.

“The party decided to remain consistent with its principle of putting citizens at the centre of all its decisions. A leadership vacuum in the city would not serve the interests of residents, hence the decision to quickly plug the holes emanating from the unnecessary recalls.”