Title: Bulawayo Mayor Faces Recall Plot as Corruption Battle Heats Up
In an escalating battle against corruption and profligacy, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart finds himself at the center of a recall plot orchestrated by a clique of unhappy councillors.
These councillors are reportedly pushing for Coltart’s removal through controversial politician Sengezo Tshabangu, accusing him of heavy-handedness and dictatorship.
Tshabangu, who claims to be the interim secretary general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been actively recalling legislators and councillors aligned with Chamisa’s party, much to the delight of the ruling Zanu PF party. Now, this group of CCC councillors is reportedly aligning themselves with Zanu PF to drive Coltart’s recall.
The councillors aiming to oust Coltart are said to be smearing him with frivolous accusations, attempting to tarnish his reputation and undermine his authority. Their motivations allegedly stem from their dissatisfaction with Coltart’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, which has frustrated their own looting plans.
The recall plot gained momentum after Coltart called for councillors to declare their assets as a measure to combat corruption. However, the proposal faced fierce resistance from the councillors, who claimed they were not consulted. This incident further strained the relationship between the councillors and the mayor.
When contacted for comment, Mayor Coltart acknowledged that there were councillors unhappy with his leadership style. He attributed the recent exacerbation of the situation to his busy schedule and extensive travels. However, Coltart denied the accusation of not consulting his fellow councillors, stating that he had sought leave of absence in a full council meeting before his overseas trips.
Coltart clarified that his trips were not funded by the council and were not directly connected to council business. He emphasized that he had consulted the town clerk and the deputy mayor or acting mayor on these trips. As a ceremonial mayor, he stressed that he was not an executive mayor and maintained that the trips were personal invitations.
As tensions rise and the recall plot unfolds, the battle against corruption and the future of Bulawayo’s leadership hang in the balance. The outcome of this power struggle will undoubtedly have significant implications for the city and its residents.
