Harare Residents Trust praises councillors for blocking James Mushore's appointment

Harare Residents Trust has praised 35 councillors in Harare for blocking the appointment of James Mushore as town clerk.

Mushore's apointment recently saw Local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere suspending mayor Bernard Manyenyeni.

"Harare City Councillors, 35 of them, who resolved to discontinue James Mushore's stay at Town House last Thursday did a splendid job on behalf of Harare residents," said the trust. "The question of whether or not they were right or wrong should be settled by the courts in a matter pending before a High Court judge. For now the councillors have made a resolution that is in the best interests of Harare residents and the HRT stands by them."

The trust said however, threats that three of the Councillors, namely Paula Macharangwanda (ward 5), the MDC-T council's Chief whip, Christopher Mbanga, the Acting Mayor (Ward 9) and Councillor Stewart Mutizwa (Ward 8) should be recalled are misplaced and ill-advised.

"Even if they are recalled, the MDC-T will not be able to replace them because the current legislation does not provide for a recall of councillors. The three councillors have distinguished themselves as professionals who look at issues and not personalities, and we commend them for their work as councillors so far," the trust said.

"The HRT urges the MDC-T as the party with the majority to desist from interfering with the Harare City Council and allow the rule of law to prevail. This is the main reason the HRT has repeatedly called for the depoliticisation of Local Government to protect it from abuse by power hungry politicians who want to subvert the will of the citizens by stifling debates on important issues at Town House."