Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor
A serious breach of protocol marred the official opening of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) last Friday when Bulawayo’s Mayoress, Mrs Jennifer Coltart, unexpectedly led a civic procession ahead of the Presidential entourage.
However, the role is reserved for the Mayor or, in his absence, the deputy.
The incident unfolded as the Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, was attending a Presidential luncheon hosted by President Mnangagwa and graced by the guest of honour, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.
Despite assurances that he would be available, Clr Coltart did not show up for the official opening ceremony, leading to confusion.
Sources within council revealed that Deputy Mayor Clr Edwin Ndlovu had initially been placed on standby to represent the city, in accordance with the Urban Councils Act. However, he was asked to stand down after indications that Clr Coltart would attend.
When the procession commenced, it was Mrs Coltart and the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube who were seen disembarking from the ceremonial vehicle in a spectacle that reportedly raised eyebrows among dignitaries and the two Heads of State.
“It was honestly embarrassing in front of the two Presidents and international delegates when the announcement was made that the Mayor of Bulawayo had arrived, leading other mayors, only to see Clr Coltart’s wife disembarking from the car, together with the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube,” said a councillor who requested anonymity.
In a Facebook post, Clr Coltart later confirmed his absence from the parade, explaining that he was tied up at the luncheon.
“For the first time in over a decade, our City of Bulawayo classic Daimler vehicle was used to deliver the Mayoress and Town Clerk Mr C Dube to the opening of the 2025 ZITF. I was unable to join them as I was at the Presidential lunch held just before the opening,” wrote Clr Coltart.
Contacted for comment, the Town Clerk admitted the anomaly but insisted Mrs Coltart had not officially led the procession.
“Yes, there was a mistake that happened, but it is not true that Mrs Coltart led the procession. I was the one who led the procession and she was just inside the car. What happened is that the Mayor was attending the Presidential luncheon so he could not make it,” said Mr Dube.
“We had been earlier told that the procession would depart at 1.48pm and the Mayor called saying he was going to be there. That is why I then advised the Deputy Mayor that his services would not be required, but we left a little earlier.”
Mr Dube said next year, they will rectify the irregularity.
The Deputy Mayor declined to comment directly on the issue, arguing that council had its own communication channels.
Meanwhile, fresh controversy has erupted around Clr Coltart’s claims regarding the ceremonial Daimler, a vintage vehicle which was used to transport Mrs Coltart and Mr Dube.
In his Facebook post, the mayor had credited private donations for restoring the vintage car, suggesting it had been abandoned for over a decade.
“The Daimler vehicle had been left unserviceable in the basement of our rates hall for years. We managed to raise private donations to repair the Daimler and to secure parts for this 55-year-old vehicle in the UK. I am indebted to an old school friend of mine and retired @emirates Boeing 777 Captain Chris Brittlebank, who sourced the spares in the UK,” wrote Clr Coltart.
“This exceptionally valuable asset of the City of Bulawayo has now been restored to its full grandeur for future generations.
Although this vehicle doesn’t provide water or jobs, its restoration is symbolic of our plan to restore all the grandeur of our City in the years ahead. Thanks are also due to local vintage car expert Phillip Minaar, who did superb work on the car to get it running again.”
However, former Mayor Mr Solomon Mguni publicly contradicted this narrative.
“I used the Daimler during my term of office for two ZITF ceremonies in 2019 and 2020 Your Worship. We discount the years 2021 to 2022 because of Covid-19. It had mechanical challenges in mid-2022. I understand it was fixed in 2023,” said Mr Mguni.
Other councillors have also expressed concern about the alleged donations used to fix the vehicle, questioning why council was not formally advised in line with laid-down policies on accepting donations.
“Council is always receiving donations and we appreciate them, but there is a laid down policy that guides these donations. The mayor knows this policy and honestly what he did violates this policy, something has to be done, we will raise this matter in the next full council meeting,” said one councillor.
