MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has reportedly summoned his party’s councillors from across the country for an indaba to discuss local government policy and deal with rampaging corruption.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
The opposition party’s shadow local government minister Eddie Cross confirmed the meeting.
“We are calling it a transformation summit. Nelson Chamisa (party vice-president) will present the party’s local government policy, the director of elections will unveil plans for the next election, while the president will speak on accountability, transparency and such other issues,” Cross said.
Chamisa also serves as the MDC-T head of policy.
The MDC-T has been struggling with corruption by some of its local representatives across the country amid reports others have joined the looting spree normally associated with the ruling Zanu PF party.
Interference from central government remains a pain for the main opposition party that controls the majority of Zimbabwe’s urban centres.
Sources said Tsvangirai was ready to read the riot act on errant councillors.
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“Tsvangirai wants to project a clean image. He wants to anchor the party’s next election manifesto on a different path from Zanu PF and sell to the people the idea of clean governance. Remember some of our councillors are just picked from the pool of activists we have with nothing in the form of training relating to management or governance,” NewsDay heard.
Tsvangirai still has to find a solution to the problems in Harare where town clerk James Mushore remains on the sidelines after Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere blocked his appointment early this year. Kasukuwere, citing corruption and abuse of office, has interfered with council operations in Gweru as well as Bulawayo through suspension of some city fathers.
In 2010, Tsvangirai was forced to fire about 24 councillors in Chitungwiza following a corruption scandal in Harare’s dormitory town. Last month, Tsvangirai, while on a tour of Bulawayo, also threatened to fire corrupt city fathers.
