Kwekwe mayor, deputy recalled

Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC-T has recalled three Kwekwe City councillors including Mayor Angeline Kasipo (Ward 5) and newly-elected deputy mayor Melody Chingarande (Ward 10).

Ward 12 councillor Washington Moyo was the third casualty.

In a letter dated August 5 and signed by Local Government and Public Works Minister, July Moyo, the trio lost their seats in terms of Section 278 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary General of the Movement for Democratic Change (T) dated 4th of August 2021 stating that the three councillors have been expelled from the party. In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the affected councillors,” read part of the letter.

Clr Kasipo confirmed the development saying she had no regrets and vowed to stick to her Nelson Chamisa-led MDC-Alliance party.

“I went to council as a party deployee and if I am recalled because of that so be it. I really enjoyed my tenure as mayor of the City of Kwekwe and I learnt a lot about how the Local Government sector in Zimbabwe works. I want to take this opportunity to thank all those I interacted with in the course of my work and wish all success,” said Clr Kasipo.

Clr Chingarande who had just been unanimously nominated as deputy mayor said she was not moved.

“I will remain resolute and strong. There is nothing that will stop me. I have made history by becoming the shortest serving and youthful female deputy mayor in the history of Zimbabwe. Of course, I am deeply hurt because I was ready to deputise a very strong and vibrant female mayor,” she said.

Clr Chingarande had been elected deputy mayor to replace the late Shadreck Tobaiwa who succumbed to cancer in July.
Five councillors aligned to the Mwonzora faction boycotted the poll accusing Clr Kasipo of not giving them a notice that there would be an election.