Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, has made it clear that he will not follow former Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Mr Nelson Chamisa and a few legislators in leaving the party and abandoning his position. This announcement comes amidst a whirlwind of events within the party, including recalls in Parliament, the senate, and councils.
Last month, Mr Chamisa severed his ties with CCC, citing the dramatic events that unfolded within the party. Self-imposed interim Secretary General Mr Sengezo Tshabangu was responsible for effecting a number of recalls, which led to further turmoil. However, Clr Coltart has become the first senior member of the party to openly confirm the strained relationship between Mr Chamisa and his former allies, Professor Welshman Ncube and Mr Tendai Biti.
Insiders reveal that the rifts between Mr Chamisa and Prof Ncube had been ongoing for some time, with Mr Chamisa’s allies even resorting to social media attacks against the law professor. It is believed that Mr Chamisa’s decision to avoid a CCC elective congress before the 2023 harmonized elections was a strategic move to prevent Prof Ncube and Mr Biti from being elected as his deputies, as he had no intentions of working with them.
Until Clr Coltart’s recent confirmation, none of the three individuals involved had openly discussed the reasons behind the fallout. Clr Coltart, however, expressed his regret over the strained relationship between the three men, emphasizing their long-standing friendship and shared experiences since the launch of the MDC in 1999.
Despite the chaos within the party, Clr Coltart has made it clear that he will not resign from his position as the Mayor of Bulawayo. This decision was made after consultations with key stakeholders, including residents, who have overwhelmingly expressed their support for him to remain in office. Clr Coltart acknowledged the potential for recall but stated that he would rather be removed from office by unscrupulous politicians than betray the trust of the hard-working and principled residents of Bulawayo.
Clr Coltart’s decision to stay in office is motivated by his commitment to finding solutions to the serious water challenges facing the city. He believes that resigning at this critical juncture could undermine ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing the water crisis. Despite the resignations of other MPs, Clr Coltart recognizes that the impact of his resignation as Mayor would be far more significant for the citizens of Bulawayo.
It is worth noting that when Mr Chamisa informed Clr Coltart of his intention to resign, he did not request his resignation. Instead, he encouraged Clr Coltart to continue the good work he had been doing. This further influenced Clr Coltart’s decision to remain in office.
The Mayor’s determination to serve the people of Bulawayo has garnered support from numerous individuals, including respected figures who have urged him not to resign. Clr Coltart takes these views seriously and sees his continued mayoral term as an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the city.
As the situation within the CCC remains uncertain, Clr Coltart’s steadfast commitment to his role as Mayor provides a glimmer of stability for the residents of Bulawayo. His dedication to addressing the city’s water challenges and refusal to abandon his position reflects his unwavering support for the community he serves.
