Harare set to elect third mayor in 3 months

**Lovemore Chitengu during his swearing-in**

Zim Now Writer

The City of Harare is set to start looking for a third mayor in four months following the recall of Citizens Coalition for Change councillor Lovemore Chitengu, who had recenty been elected mayor of Harare.

Chitengu becomes the second after councillor Ian Makone suffered the same fate earlier, following his election after the August 23-24, 2023 Harmonised Elections.

Chitengu was recalled along other Harare councillors by Interim CCC secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu but his name appeared with a typo on his recall letter as his name read “Chitegu” instead of “Chitengu”.

Despite this technical error, CCC councillors held their ground and elected Chitengu as mayor in a show of protest and defiance. Although Zanu PF councillors opposed his participation, Harare Chamber Secretary advised that legally, Chitengu remained eligible for the mayoral election.

Furthermore, Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango confirmed that they had informed the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works about the typo and Chitengu’s eligibility.

Ultimately, the legal glitch allowed Chitengu to participate and secure the mayoral position despite the recall.

In a letter dated December 11, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Winston Chitando has already written to the Town Clerk of Harare, notifying him of the vacancy in ward 36 of Harare.

“Reference is made to the above subject matter; our minute to yourself dated 13 November 2023; your minute to ourselves dated 16 November, 2023; and the received communication from Citizens Coalition for Change dated 23 November, 2023 for the above subject matter of the below listed who has ceased to be their member.

“In terms of section 278(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with Section 129(1)(k) of the above-mentioned ward is vacant,” reads the letter from Chitando in part.

Tshabangu has recalled scores of legislators, councillors and senators, arguing that they had ceased to belong to the CCC. The High Court has, however interdicted him from making any further recalls