By Wisdom Mumera.
Harare, Zimbabwe. (News Of The South) – The MDC-T has re-affirmed its commitment to stand in solidarity with suspended Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni whilst attacking Local Government Minster and ZANU PF Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere of overriding constitutional boundaries.
The appointment of Mr James Mushore as the new Town Clerk after the removal of Tendai Mahachi has sparked a political war as Kasukuwere has sought to flex his muscles as Local Government Minister whilst undermining the MDC-T’s Manyenyeni.
In a statement released by Eddie Cross who is the MDC-T’s shadow minister for Local government, the party has accused the Minister of being a constitutional abuser.
“In recent weeks, in complete violation of the Constitution, the Minister has intervened in the affairs of the Council of Harare”.
“He has demanded that the Council rescind its decision to appoint Mr James Mushore as the Town Clerk after an extensive and professional process that identified him as the most qualified and experienced candidate for this important post”.
“When the elected Mayor refused to comply, the Minister responded by unlawfully suspending the Mayor both as Mayor of the City and Councilor for Mt Pleasant”, it said.
“The MDC wishes to state once again that the decision to appoint Mr Mushore was a collective decision and that it stands in full support of his appointment and wants him to continue to assume his responsibilities in Council affairs while the Courts deal with the actions of the Minister”.
“The Party considers the interests of the residents of the City of Harare as supreme in this matter and is absolutely satisfied that the Council has acted lawfully in terms of the supreme law of Zimbabwe as expressed in the constitution”, it added.
The Combined Harare Residents Association has supported the actions of the Council to appoint Mr Mushore and has meanwhile made a separate court application for a ruling in favour of the Council.
Instances of ZANU PF ministers using their positions in the cabinet to come down hard upon people elected but less powerful MDC members in mostly urban councils have been ongoing for some time in the country.
In 2015, the Minister of Local Government took steps to dismiss the remaining Councillors of Gweru in a move described as unconstitutional by many.
It is against this backdrop that the Professor Welshman Ncube led MDC has been advocating the devolution of power.
The idea has however failed to catch much attention in the partisan environment of the Southern state.
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