Foreign Bulawayo mayor calls on councillors and residents to unite

BULAWAYO deputy mayor, Councillor Tinashe Kambarami has called on councillors and residents to unite and focus on developing the city saying the era of dirty politics has been left behind.

Speaking in an interview, Clr Kambarami said it was time for the city to set aside political differences and create a working relationship that foster development. He said while he appreciated the internal factional battles that characterised the mayoral elections poll, it was now time for all parties to set aside their differences and expend their energies in developing the city.

"In the run-up to the mayoral elections we were coming from different camps, some councillors believed in my leadership while others did not believe in it. It is allowed, it is a part of the democracy that we preach as people have the right to choose whoever they prefer. Since we come from the same party and we now have a mayor and deputy mayor, we have to realise that we can only make progress if we work together, bringing our ideas together, there is no reason for us to keep on fighting, we are now past the elections, we have to get rid of factional lines and differences for the betterment of our city," said Clr Kambarami.

He blasted individuals who were throwing the tribal card, alleging that the Ward Three councillor had no social standing to represent the people of Bulawayo saying he was not originally from the city, saying it was unfortunate as he was born, raised and educated in the city.

"People are no longer interested in dividing themselves along tribal lines, actually I believe there are a few individuals who wanted to push this agenda but we cannot be pushed by a few individuals. We are now in office representing everyone despite their political inclinations and beliefs, we are now working for all residents of Bulawayo. The city is now waiting for us, people are expecting, we have no choice, we have to produce results and show that we are ready and capable of leading the people of Bulawayo. I can confidently say that we are now working together as a unity, putting our ideas together and surely the future is bright for the city of Bulawayo," he said.

Clr Kambarami landed the deputy mayor position after he beat Ward One Councillor, Mlandu Ncube in a tight race. There were allegations that Clr Ncube had the blessings of the MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa and the party's provincial chairperson, Mr Gift Banda.

On alleged brush with the law, Clr Kambarami said although he was not a perfect man, he had learnt from his past mistakes and was raring to prove to all that he was capable as a leader.

"What has been coming out in the media, both true and false put together reminds me of a Bible verse which goes something like all things work together, meaning all things be it bad or good, work together for our good, at the end of the day it is rising above all this and producing positive results that will prove a point and show the public who I am. All this criticism helped me mould myself into a better individual and leader. Even if I have my shortcomings it helped me mend my ways and do things the right way," he said.

It was recently reported that Clr Kambarami (32) was in July fined $80 or 18 days in prison for stealing the extension cord from an electrician he had hired to do manual work at his offices. He also had summons for civil imprisonment issued to him over a debt of nearly $40 000 in unpaid rentals and legal costs.