Itai Muzondo
GWERU: Recalled City of Gweru Mayor Councilor Josiah Makombe yesterday broke silence bidding farewell and highlighting his achievements during the time he was in charge of the City of Progress as Gweru is affectionately known.
Makombe in a statement however expressed that his exit was with a ‘heavy heart’ as he was forced out through recall.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my removal from the office of the mayor of the city of Gweru as well as the President of UCAZ through a recall by MDCT led by Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora. The recall was done on the 10th of December 2021. The reason for the recall is that am a member of MDC-A led by advocate Chamisa,” he wrote.
The outgoing Mayor also gave a rundown of his success stories that included dealing with the water crisis, curbing corruption, and fixing roads, among many other developmental projects. He also highlighted how he was now looking forward to resurrecting Go Beer if the unexpected call had not hit him.
Makombe who however challenged recall in the courts of law and is pressuring Mwonzora arrest for lying before oath told CommuTalk that his future will be decided by the courts.
“If the court decides in my favor, I will be glad to rejoin my fellow councilors in doing developmental work but as for taking part in the by-elections, I am not decided as yet,” Makombe said.
Meanwhile, jostling for the year-long Mayoral post is on for the election which is to be held today.
Amongst interested parties is former Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi (Ward 1) who held the post between 2013-2015 before being fired by the then Minister of Local Governance Savior Kasukuwere for incompetence.
Kombayi’s stake is however high in today’s election as councilors baking him who include, Albert Chirau (Ward 11), Gideon Mugariri (Ward 7), Notai Dzika (Ward 8), Farai Muza (Ward 17) and Tawanda Magidi (Ward 16) say he is good in handling their welfare.
Their opinion is opposed to that of locals who doubt his abilities after being infamous with his own ward which in 2020 approached council questioning if they have a representative.
Social media users have on platforms also questioned his abilities to “…run a whole City when he has failed the once flourishing Midlands and Cecil Hotels among other businesses.”
This is also regardless of his known behavior of absenteeism in full council meetings and special council events.
John Manyundwa (Ward 18) is the biggest contender to Kombayi though his chances of winning the sit is based on him persuading former Mayor, Charles Chikozho (Ward 10) who also wants to retain Mayorship to bring in his ally, Cathrine Mhondiwa (Ward 13) to his side which is supposedly backed by councilors, Trust Chinenni (Ward 15), Doubt Ncube (Ward 3) and Godfery Giwa (Ward 6).
Youthful Martin Chivhoko (Ward 4) who has remained loyal to the MDC-Chamisa brand is also set to try his luck as he also has considerable backing from councilors Cleopas Shiri (Ward 5), Jefta Zvidzai (Ward 12), and Danny Ndava (Ward 14).
Edison Kurebgaseka (Ward 9), who is also the most senior of sitting councilors is also running a lone war as he has declared interest but with no known backing.
Meanwhile, all councilors are said to be holding a primary election this morning to determine who will be their next leader and have supposedly agreed to back anyone who would have won the primaries.
