MDC-T councillor elected Gweru deputy mayor

Zim Now Writer

Gweru’s ward 9 councillor Edson Kurebgaseka of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) was today elected as the City of Progress’s deputy mayor at a special council meeting, replacing councillor Cleopas Shiri who was recalled by the party last week.

The Douglas Mwonzora-led party recalled three concillors, Martin Chivhoko, John Manyundwa, and Cleopas Shiri over their alleged support for Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) President Nelson Chamisa.

Kurebgaseka, believed to be a Mwonzora loyalist, is expected to be in office until the 2023 general elections.

He got eight votes against Councillor Jefta Zvidzai (CCC) who only garnered four votes.

There was drama during the meeting that saw the ejection from the Council Chamber of two CCC councillors over improper dressing.

Following the recall of Shiri, Chivhoko and Manyundwa Local Government, Public Works and national Housing Minister July Moyo declared the three wards they represented vacant, paving way for by-elections.

The city has a total of 18 wards.

At the time of the recall, Shiri vowed to continue working with people in his ward.

Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association executive director Cornelius Selipiwe said then that continued bickering within the opposition was affecting service delivery.

“Service delivery in the city has gone to the dogs because of bickering and political fissures that are now being clearly put in the open.

“I think we are not going anywhere. This political bickering and infighting between the two opposition political parties is not taking us anywhere because what suffers at the end of the day is service."