…as MDC-Alliance candidate loses to Chamisa sympathizer
Melinda Kusemachibi
Following the recall of former Mayor Blessing Tandi by MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora, Mutare city on February 17, 2022 elected a new mayor that saw ward 12 Councillor Simon Chabuka shrugging off stiff competition from Councilor Farai Bhiza who has been in acting capacity.
Acting Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka confirmed the development.
“Yes, elections were held today (February 17) and Cllr Chabuka won the elections by six votes to five over Cllr Farai Bhiza who was the Acting Mayor after former Mayor Tandi was recalled.
“There were 11 Councilors who voted in the mayoral election,” said Chafesuka.
Contacted for comment, newly elected Mayor Chabuka said he is going to continue with the projects left by his predecessor.
“We had a vision that was set by late Town Clerk Maligwa and we are going to focus on improving the city’s service delivery. We are going to make sure we finish outstanding projects such as Dangamvura water pipeline project and road rehabilitation.
“We have partners who came to assist City of Mutare. In Chikanga we are to provide accommodation to residents,” said Chabuka.
Regarding the issue of his political affiliation, Chabuka could not clarify but said he follows Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa’s ideology.
“For now I cannot answer that question but I embrace Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s ideology,” said Cllr Chabuka.
Former Mayor Blessing Tandi was recalled on February 11, 2022 after allegations that he was no longer a member of the MDC-Alliance led by Douglas Mwonzora.
Tandi is not the first mayor to face the wrath of controversial MDC-T, now MDC-Alliance leader Mwonzora’s new tool of political persecution after Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe was also recalled late last year and a number of councillors and legislators joining the firing squad.
