CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU The City of Gweru has sworn in four Citizens Coalition for Change proportional representative women’s quota councillors to replace those recalled by self-styled CCC secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu late last year.
The four, Violet Mutusva, Holly Dzuda, Precious Mujere and Eustina Fidze took their oath of office and loyalty during a special council meeting called for the purpose of swearing them in.
They replaced Sphiwe Kundiona, Mirriam Magaya, Ronah Masocha and Olivia Chakauya who were recalled together with ward 11 councillor Kumirayi Rutsvara.
Rutsvara was replaced in council by Zanu PF’s Tanyanyiwa Rumbe after by-elections held in February this year.
Speaking after the ceremony, Cllr Mujeri said women were living in abject poverty and there was need to initiate income generating projects for them.
Mujeri said the health delivery system was in shambles and needs rejuvenation for the benefit of women who are mostly affected.
“The Constitution of Zimbabwe says maternity services must be free but in actual fact they are not.
“Women are told to buy razors, gloves and sometimes fuel to transport them when there are emergencies.
“Although the Constitution empowers us, that is taken away due to circumstances. We want to urge the government to allocate adequate resources to council clinics which operate in wards so that they are able to provide free services,” she said.
Cllr Dzuda said they want to compliment efforts already being done by council.
“They have been fighting for improved water and goods roads and that is what we want to compliment,” she said.
Dzuda said drug and substance abuse is affecting women as children are coming in the home under the influence.
“We want to assist the authorities so that we stop drug dealers, who are within the community.
“We know them because we live with them and I think we should play our part being whistleblowers,” Dzuda said.
Gweru mayor Martin Chivhoko reminded the new councillors that residents were their employers and should work towards improving their lives.
Tshabangu last year went on a recalling spree of CCC representatives he said no longer represented the interests of the party in the senate, house of assembly and councils.
The recalls have tilted the advantage in favour of Zanu PF, which now has a two-thirds majority in parliament.
Tshabangu has also benefitted from the recalls as he is now a member of the senate enjoying various packs.
