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Fairness Moyana recently in Dete
A COMMUNITY engagement meeting over the establishment of a cultural centre in Hwange’s Mabale ward nearly degenerated in chaos after Chief Nelukoba Dingani ordered the expulsion of a councillor whom he accused of disrespecting him.
The project is being spearheaded by Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TCA). The chief left stakeholders shocked when he ordered Clr Joseph Bonde’s aide Mr Bekithemba Mujibha to leave the room arguing that his boss had disrespected him on a different platform by calling him “uneducated”. A heated war of words erupted before shocked stakeholders but Mr Mujibha refused to leave, resulting in the chief threatening to cancel the meeting.
“Before we start, there are people I want to leave this meeting especially Clr Bonde and his aide, Mujibha who disrespected me by saying they can’t work with an uneducated person. On top of it he goes on to form a ward committee without my knowledge, I will have none of that. It is either he leaves or this meeting is cancelled,” said Chief Nelukoba.
However, the situation degenerated into chaos as Mr Mujibha defied the order arguing that he had a right to be part of the meeting as he represented an elected official.
“The chief cannot chase me out of this meeting over a personal matter. I have every right to be here like any of you. It’s unfortunate that he is using the wrong platform to settle a personal score, whatever misunderstanding we had with him was outside of professionalism. So I will not leave this room, I refuse,” he said.
Chief Nelukoba further threatened to deal with any village heads under him who attends Clr Bonde’s meetings.
“I have had no problem working with other councillors from the opposition and that’s not the basis of why I have asked him to leave but that he underrates me in his conduct. The council chairlady is from MDC Alliance and I have not had any problems with her but with this one it’s different,” he said.
Mr Mujibha later left the meeting. The meeting was meant to familiarise the community about the project which is set to tap into the tourism sector by introducing cultural villages in the area which is close to Hwange National Park.
Campfire director Mr Charles Jonga said the project would immensely benefit the Mabale community through employment creation and income generating opportunities that would be realised through curio vending and cultural exhibitions.
“We have also partnered the KAZA secretariat in mobilising resources for the Mabale Tourism services project that will focus on one of the target districts which is very close to the park but have traditionally not benefited from it. It’s a project that is going to enhance livelihoods through employment and economic opportunities.”
Online Reporter