ZVISHAVANE – Ward 9 councillor, Khulekani Ndlovu of MDC Alliance, was recently pronounced new town chairperson after winning seven votes against Tinashe Mago (Zanu PF Ward 5) who got three votes.
Many residents, however, protested against Ndlovu’s assumption of the position arguing that a person from Ward 9 could not sufficiently represent the interests of residents of the town since the ward is one of the three under Shabani Mine’s jurisdiction.
They argued that residents from wards eight, nine and 10 did not pay rates to the town council but to the mining company therefore a person from those areas could not be expected to champion the interests of the town’s residents.
Zvishavane Residents and Ratepayers Association (ZRRA) vice chairperson, Janet Shava led the protests, calling for a new chairperson from any of the other wards.
The residents’ complaints, however, failed to produce the required effect, with the concillors saying there will not be another election.
Ndlovu will be deputised by fellow MDC Alliance Ward 3 councillor, Fatima Phiri who also won seven votes against Mago’s three votes.
Ndlovu replaces Esau Gwatipedza Dube who was most known probably for his runs-in with town secretary Tinoda Mukutu and former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere.
The new council is made up of Takarangana Keta (Ward 1), Patson Taruvinga (Ward 2), Fatima Phiri (Ward 3), Charity Majama (Ward 4), Mago, Jose Ferreira (Ward 6), Mike Jaravaza (Ward 7), Itai Pasira (Ward 8), Ndlovu and Andrai Banda (Ward 10).
Speaking after his election, Ndlovu promised to work together with residents to improve service delivery.
MDC Alliance has seven while Zanu PF won three council seats in the July 30 harmonised elections.politics
