Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Chronicle Writer
THE controversial ouster of Bulawayo City Council’s Junior Council patron, Councilor Perseverance Nyathi, and her swift replacement by proportional representation Councilor Mercy Furanayi, has escalated into a political row after Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Secretary-General Sengezo Tshabangu publicly distanced himself from the debacle.
Clr Nyathi’s dismissal was confirmed during the latest full council meeting held last week.
The motion to remove Clr Nyathi was introduced by Ward 10 Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu, who argued that a Junior Council patron should be under the age of 50.
However, the final decision appears to have been influenced by internal party dynamics within the deeply divided CCC.
A notice sent to councilors on June 4 indicated that the party had resolved to remove Clr Nyathi and replace her with Clr Furanayi.
The notice, circulated via WhatsApp, was signed by one M Siso — believed to be Mbuso Siso, treasurer to the party’s Secretary-General, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu. The message implied that Sen Tshabangu had endorsed the removal of Clr Nyathi and her replacement by fellow proportional representation councillor, Furanayi.
“Please note that the CCC party province and the office of the Secretary-General S Tshabangu have come up with a resolution to have Clr P Nyathi replaced by Clr M Furanayi as Patron of the Junior Council. By Order: CCC Bulawayo Provincial Executive and the Office of the Secretary-General,” reads the letter signed by Mr Siso, dated June 4.
Sources within council chambers revealed that although Clr Nyathi accepted her removal with dignity, the process was procedurally flawed.
It also contravenes a standing council resolution passed in August last year, in which councilors agreed that all committee chairpersons —including those from outside council chambers, such as representatives from the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Bulawayo Polytechnic, and city sports clubs — would not be removed from office until 2028.
Some councillors, particularly women, were reportedly coerced into supporting the motion by Clr Ndlovu, under threat of being recalled.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Sen Tshabangu dismissed both the claims of coercion and the suggestion that councillors who opposed the motion would be recalled. He stated that the party leadership was focused on building the party through engagement and mutual respect.
“Both statements are unfounded. We have never threatened anyone with a recall or anything of the sort. Our thrust is to build the party through the process of engagement and mutual respect — even with those who hold differing views and opinions about the future,” said Sen Tshabangu.
When contacted for clarification on whose authority the notice was issued under, and whether it represented an official party position, Mr Siso referred the inquiry to Clr Ntando Ndlovu, who did not respond to the inquiry.
“May you please talk to the Council Chief Whip, Clr Ntando Ndlovu, who is the CCC national council caucus spokesperson and the CCC provincial spokesperson,” said Mr Siso.
