Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
BULAWAYO City Council’s chairperson of the Finance and Development standing committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo has called for peace, unity and constructive dialogue following the recent public dispute between the city’s mayor, Councillor David Coltart and other councillors over the renewal of Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube’s contract.
In a statement responding to the Mayor’s press remarks on a leaked council report concerning the renewal, Clr Moyo expressed disappointment that sensitive city matters are being aired publicly rather than resolved through diplomacy.
“It is sad that as a City we find ourselves speaking issues in the media instead of resolving our issues amicably through dialogue and diplomacy,” said Clr Moyo. He emphasized that both parties, Mr Dube, a war veteran and experienced administrator, and Mayor Coltart, hold significant respect and followings and should engage respectfully for the City’s benefit.
Clr Moyo underscored the importance of the Full Council’s role in considering and approving recommendations from the General Purposes Committee, clarifying that the Council has the authority to accept or vary such recommendations before they become binding resolutions.
He also addressed the contentious legal points raised by Mayor Coltart regarding fixed-term contracts and Statutory Instrument 197/2024, which allows employment up to age 70.
Clr Moyo explained that while the Statutory Instrument provides guidelines preventing employment beyond 70 years, the extension of the Town Clerk’s contract ultimately lies with councillors, who seek consent from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe. This process is separate from the Statutory Instrument cited.
On the subject of performance contracts, Clr Moyo highlighted that both Town Clerks and Mayors sign such contracts evaluated at the Presidential office.
He noted that if the City of Bulawayo intended to implement a parallel performance contract, it should have been included at the time of signing, with clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Results Areas (KRAs).
He stressed that retroactive application of such contracts is legally untenable.
Clr Moyo called for tolerance of differing opinions within the democratic process. “Differing opinions should not be a death penalty in a democracy which the Mayor stands for,” he remarked.
He urged all parties to prioritise engagement and collective action, stating, “There are no winners or losers in this but engagement and dialogue should carry the day for a better service delivery for the City of Bulawayo.”
Colletta Dube