Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Zimpapers writer
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has come under fire from one of its own, Ward Three Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu, who has accused the local authority of undermining service delivery by auctioning off its own vehicles, only to later hire the same vehicles.
Speaking during a recent full council meeting, Clr Mahlangu delivered a scathing seven-minute critique, condemning what he described as poor oversight, lax supervision and possible deliberate sabotage within the council.
He expressed concern over the auctioning of council graders and other essential service vehicles, only for the same vehicles to be hired back to perform municipal duties.
“We auction graders and other vehicles to private individuals, and those same vehicles end up being hired back by the council. We have seen these vehicles providing services to the city,” said Clr Mahlangu.
“I have even asked some council employees whether this is due to our mechanics failing to repair the vehicles, a failure of supervision, or a sign of deeper institutional rot.”
Clr Mahlangu said the practice could be part of a “well-oiled system” designed to serve private interests at the city’s expense.
He called for stricter oversight and greater accountability, particularly targeting senior management.
Clr Mahlangu also stressed that the conduct of employees was a direct reflection of councillors themselves.
“Until we change our approach, we will continue complaining in perpetuity,” he warned, adding that councillors have a duty to demand concrete action rather than merely bemoaning the state of service delivery.
“At the end of the day, when we take stock, you, our leader, the mayor would be seen as failing, because all these things are happening under your watch,” said Clr Mahlangu.
He further criticised council managers for reportedly arriving at work as late as 10am, and accused some of misusing ratepayers’ funds by purchasing personal vehicles through council-backed loans vehicles, which often depreciate in value before they are fully repaid.
“We cannot sit here in suits, be saluted by employees, only to be ridiculed behind our backs,” he said, adding that ambulances are grounded, roads are neglected and council vehicles are misused.
Condemning what he termed a “bankruptcy of minds” within the institution, Clr Mahlangu urged fellow councillors to take decisive steps to restore integrity and improve service delivery.
“We are not as poor as we are projecting ourselves to be. The greatest poverty we have is the bankruptcy of minds among some of the people we employ,” he said.
In recent years, BCC has faced mounting criticism from residents over deteriorating service delivery, including uncollected refuse, unrepaired burst water pipes, pothole-ridden roads and frequent water cuts.
Bulawayo, once praised for its efficient administration, has become a pale shadow of its former self, grappling with financial difficulties largely due to declining revenue inflows and rising operational costs.
