By Staff Reporter
A recent full council meeting at the Masvingo City Townhouse descended into chaos, as councilors engaged in heated clashes over minor issues, publicly embarrassing the city in front of an official visitor.
The visitor who is Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson Jameson Charumbira, had attended to observe the proceedings and learn from how Masvingo city held its full council meetings.
Instead, he witnessed a spectacle of unprofessional behavior that left attendees dismayed, in what appears to be a recurring pattern for the council.
The tension ignited when Zanu PF Councilor Sengerai Manyanga proposed that councilors should applaud the government for the road works in ward 7 where a by-election is pending.
“You should thank the government, there is no councilor in the ward but look at the development happening there, so clap hands for the government,” said Manyanga.
This suggestion was met with immediate pushback from other councilors, including Proportional Representative Councilors Esther Zishiri and Alaica Time as well as ward 6 councilor Wilstaff Sitemere who are all opposition members.
They argued that a full council meeting was an inappropriate platform for what they perceived as political campaigning, questioning why government actions should be applauded in such a setting.
The discussion rapidly devolved into a shouting match, with councilors standing up and hurling accusations across the chamber. Manyanga got support from his Zanu PF counterpart Sheron Marombedze.
The meeting grew so unruly that it nearly collapsed, leaving visitor Charumbira to observe. The lack of decorum raised serious questions about the council’s ability to govern effectively amid such internal discord.
However, the incident is not isolated. Clashes in the council chambers have become a disturbing habit, undermining public trust and stalling progress.
In a previous meeting, a physical altercation was narrowly avoided during a debate over a proposal for the planning committee to go for a look and learn trip in Zambia.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) Director Anoziva Muguti, did not mince his words and described the councilors’ conduct as appalling.
“I saw the video that circulated and i was disappointed. Their behavior in the chambers is appalling, showcasing a blatant disregard for the dignity and respect required in such a setting. It’s disappointing to see councilors engaging in clashes and noise-making, which undermines the professionalism expected of public officials.
“Such behavior can indeed be described as mediocre, highlighting a lack of maturity, discipline and commitment to constructive governance. Honestly, they need to show us some respect,” said Muguti
The incident has sparked broader concerns about the professionalism and integrity of Masvingo’s elected representatives.
When visitors are present, proper decorum and respect are expected, a basic standard that several councilors clearly failed to meet.
Residents called for improved conduct and a renewed focus on collaborative governance rather than political point-scoring.
“The city deserves representatives who can rise above partisan conflicts and work together for the common good,” said one resident.
