Staff Reporter
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) “interim secretary general” Sengezo Tshabangu has allegedly recalled Kwekwe City Mayor Dr Henry Madzorera, his deputy Melody Chingarande, and Ward 9 councilor Simon Machisvo.
In a letter dated 7 November 2023 and addressed to Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing Minister Winston Chitando, Tshabangu said the three who are amongst 60 other councilors from across Zimbabwe including five from Gweru City Council have ceased to be members of CCC.
“Notification and declaration of councilors elected under Citizens Coalition for Change and have ceased to be members of CCC. Kindly be advised that the following councilors were under the Citizens Coalition for Change political party and have ceased to be members of the Citizens Coalition for Change…,” wrote Tshabangu.
In an interview in other sections of the media, Tshabangu confirmed the recalls.
“Yes it is true that we have recalled some people, they cease to be members of our party as we indicated in their recall letter to the minister,” he said.
Kwekwe Mayor Dr Henry Madzorera said he has not received any official communication to that effect as he only saw the letter on social media.
“I am only seeing it on WhatsApp there has not been any communication from the minister. Nothing has been communicated with me,” he said.
His deputy Chingarande echoed the same sentiments.
Councilor Melody Chingarande
“I just heard that the letters were written but I did not receive any they are just circulating on social media,” she said.
The recall if it goes through becomes the third time for Chingarande to be forced out of the local authority,
In 2021 was recalled by Douglas Mwonzora together with former Mayor Angeline Kasipo for dumping MDC and joining CCC. She returned to the local authority through a by-election.
Last year Chingarande together with Kasipo and Ward 8 councilor Makomborero Mlambo were suspended by the then minister of Local Government July Moyo for alleged gross misconduct, incompetence, and wilful violation of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29;15 as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act number 8 of 2016.
Efforts to reach Minister Chitando and ascertain if he will act on the recall letter proved fruitless by time of publishing.
