Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
CITY of Bulawayo councillors have expressed concern over their exclusion from food hamper distributions by Tendy Three Investment Private Limited (TTI) arguing that, as City fathers, they should be involved in the process from beneficiary identification to the distribution of the hampers.
According to the latest council minutes, while beneficiaries and stakeholders expressed gratitude for TTI’s timely and generous humanitarian gesture, councillors felt they should be adequately informed about such programmes and other developments within their wards. TTI is mandated with manning vehicle parking in the city.
“Beneficiaries and stakeholders expressed gratitude towards the warm and timely humanitarian gesture from TTI. The City of Bulawayo appreciated most sincerely the donation of food hampers.
“It was a worthy and befitting donation that went a long way in meeting the needs of food insecure and vulnerable members of the community during the festive season.
“The Committee considered the matter and Councillor Suzan Sithole (Ward 11) sought clarification on the report. She wanted to know if the donation made by TTI was distributed to beneficiaries under the Mayor’s Cheer fund.
“She requested that councillors be given enough information with regards to such programmes and any other things happening in their Wards,” the minutes read in part.
Ward 2 Clr Adrian Redan Moyo expressed his displeasure with the hamper distributions, noting the lack of councillor involvement.
He believed councillors should be involved from the initial identification of beneficiaries all the way through to the distribution of the hampers.
Ward 20 Clr Sandra Sibindi also emphasised the need for councillors to be kept informed.
“Such programmes are very important and should allow for councillor involvement. “Anything to do with wards should involve the respective councillor,” she said.
Ward 29 Clr Royini Sekete agreed, stating that this issue should be addressed.
Ward 23 Clr Ntombizodwa Khumalo noted that while councillors were sometimes notified, they were not always invited to participate.
She also pointed out that many beneficiaries were selected from the council’s database of vulnerable residents.
In response, the Assistant Director of Housing and Community Services (Community Services) acknowledged the concerns raised.
“The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund had a special committee responsible for sourcing donations and managing distributions,” the Assistant Director explained. “Involving councillors in beneficiary registration proved challenging. The council has trained social workers who work closely with councillors.”
The Chamber Secretary, Sikhangele Zhou, added that the council’s social workers possess the skills and tools necessary to assess vulnerability and identify residents in need.
Peter Tanyanyiwa