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FORMER Midlands Governor and Zanu-PF Politburo member Dr Cephas Msipa has applauded councillors in Victoria Falls, Kwekwe and Redcliff for voting for quality leadership during the mayoral elections on Monday.
He said the councillors demonstrated a commitment to serve people’s interests first over party politics.
“The councillors were looking for the best man for the job. I believe this was the case throughout all mayoral elections held in the country. I welcome this because it means there is some realism and self-introspection,” said Dr Msipa in an interview on Wednesday.
“People were simply looking at which person would best execute the duties of mayor. This bodes well for our country and it shows a unity of purpose among our civic leaders. Their actions give confidence to residents as it shows that their councillors are not driven by political affiliation but the desire to give quality service delivery.”
He said local governance, by its nature, should be driven by the desire to serve people as evidenced by the councillors of Kwekwe, Redcliff and Victoria Falls.
He said councillors from the MDC-T side showed their intelligence in going for candidates from the ruling Zanu-PF as it enabled easy communication and facilitation of programmes with the Central Government.
“They were guided probably by the adage, ‘nothing succeeds like success’ because following our success in the harmonised elections, we will continue to register more success from now onwards as a people.
The new councillors have sent a message to the Minister of Local Government (Dr Ignatius Chombo) that he will be dealing with a local authority not a particular party. Their main agenda is to deliver quality service,” said Dr Msipa.
He said it was time Zimbabweans acted with maturity by acknowledging that elections could only produce two results, winners and losers.
“Elections should never be used as a platform to promote animosity. People should learn to accept the outcome so that we quickly move on to things that develop our country,” said Dr Msipa.
Meanwhile, Redcliff Mayor, Councillor Freddy Kapuya, has promised to turn around the town service delivery during his term.
In an interview on Wednesday, Clr Kapuya said he and his council were committed to working for the people. “I promise that we will work for the people for the next five years as a council. Redcliff residents should look forward to improved service delivery. We want to make Redcliff the best run town in the country,” he said.
Online Reporter