Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has dismissed speculation that his mayoral chain is gold coated, hence a centre of attraction particularly among photographers.
Mafume made the remarks in jest during a full council meeting Thursday afternoon, sending the gallery into a bolsterous laughter.
He was responding to a widely circulating video and pictures of him sharing his phone number with an unidentified lady at the Miss Universe finals in Braeside at the weekend.
Mafume, who turned up at the council meeting clad in a cultural outfit in respect of Culture Month, said he had left his chains for a change, a statement met with a boisterous laughter.
“We have serious matters to discuss so that people know that I don’t go around collecting phone numbers (or giving them out),” he said.
“I think people think my chain is made of gold because cameras are everywhere because people are always commenting.
“Anyway, I am a public figure being the mayor of Harare. These are things I should expect.”
Mayoral chains are formal, full-dress type of regalia, with one chain requiring around 25-30 links or term bars.
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More often, these links feature the engraved name and term of each successive mayor.
The mayoral gold chain serves as the official symbol of the mayor’s position and authority.
Also known as the livery collar, the chain is a ceremonial piece used during traditional council events, such as the installation of a new mayor.
The chain is typically worn alongside the mayoral robe.
The tradition of mayoral regalia, including gold chains and velvet robes, is a legacy derived from British civic governance.
