Vusumuzi Dube
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
SEVERAL councillors in Bulawayo staged a walkout during an in-committee council session yesterday, protesting the decision to have the meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, who is currently facing bribery charges.
Clr Ndlovu, alongside Clr Mpumelelo Moyo, the chairperson of the council’s finance and development committee, was granted bail by the High Court last Friday.
Mayor Clr David Coltart clarified earlier this week that neither councillor is under suspension and they are expected to continue their elected duties while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Yesterday marked the first full council meeting since the release of both councillors.
While Clr Ndlovu was absent from the session, Clr Moyo was present.
With Mayor Coltart away attending the African Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, the meeting was chaired by Clr Dumisani Netha, chairman of town lands and planning.
Clr Ndlovu only emerged after the full council meeting to attend the council in-committee meeting and as the acting mayor, he was meant to take the chair.
However, sources revealed that when Clr Ndlovu took the chair, several councillors walked out of the meeting straight after the prayer to mark the beginning of the meeting, allegedly in protest of the acting mayor chairing the meeting.
“The Deputy Mayor did not attend the full council meeting and only attended the closed council in-committee session which he chaired. However, straight after the prayer to mark the beginning of proceedings, nine councillors walked out, in protest of his assuming the chair.
“The nine who walked out add to the five that did not attend the meeting. Also during the meeting, councillors were given a statement by the town clerk, Mr Christopher Dube clarifying what are the procedures to be taken in an event when the mayor or deputy mayor are not available,” said the source.
The nine who allegedly walked out of the meeting include Clr Tawenga Zidya, Clr Nkosinathi Hove, Clr Felix Madzana Clr Lovewell Mwinde, Clr Royini Sekete Clr Tinevimbo Maposa, Clr Bruce Mmeli Moyo, Clr Mellissa Mabeza and Clr Lazarus Mpandwe.
Those that did not attend are Clr Ntombizodwa Khumalo, Clr Donaldson Mabuto, Clr Ashton Mhlanga, Clr Khalazani Ndlovu and Clr Nokuthula Sibanda.
Online Reporter