Online Reporter
Online Reporter
TEMPERS flared and chairs almost flew in the Bulawayo City Council chambers this week as councillors turned a full council meeting into a fashion feud, while service delivery took a back seat.
Instead of addressing potholes, water woes, and garbage piling up in the city, councillors spent over an hour trading insults and arguing over who wore what or rather, who didn’t.
At the centre of the storm were three councillors, Tinevimbo Maphosa (Ward 21), Nkosilathi Hove (Ward 6), and Donaldson Mabuto (Ward 9), who showed up in “civilian” clothes, defying a standing resolution that all councillors wear traditional attire during Bulawayo Day and Arts Festival commemorations.
Ward 26’s Mpumelelo Moyo, chairperson of the Finance and Development Committee, saw red and stormed out of the chambers after the trio were allowed to stay despite a vote to eject them.
“This is tomfoolery. We can’t have this circus,” fumed Moyo, accusing colleagues of undermining council resolutions.
The drama began after Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou issued a memo reminding councillors of the June 5, 2024 resolution mandating traditional dress for the commemorative meeting. But instead of cultural pride, the meeting turned into a power struggle, complete with a vote (18 wanted the rebels gone, 12 didn’t) and a cut live feed when the arguing got out of hand.
Mayor David Coltart, caught in the crossfire, allowed the fashion offenders to remain, which only fueled the fire.
Ironically, this isn’t the first time attire has stolen the spotlight. Just last month, councillors were up in arms over the mayor wearing a coat instead of a full suit.
While leaders squabble over headwraps and coats, residents are left asking: who’s fixing the broken pipes and uncollected refuse?
City’s falling apart while councilors play dress-up.
Who’s really serving Bulawayo?
