'Bulawayo councillors ditching residents for their political parties'

Bulawayo residents have expressed growing frustration with city councillors, accusing them of prioritizing their political party agendas over the needs of the people who voted them into office during the August 2023 elections.

Many residents recently took to social media platforms to vent their anger, claiming that after being elected, councillors have neglected to engage with or address the concerns of their constituents.

Thamsanqa Ndlovu, the chairperson of the Bulawayo Residents Charter, voiced his disappointment, emphasizing that councillors should serve as policy implementers, not monopolists of knowledge. "When people are elected to be councillors, it does not mean they have the monopoly of knowledge, which is where the mistake is. They are policy implementers, some are managers, not thinkers. We need a think-tank that scrutinises whatever will be put in place," Ndlovu said.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between policymakers and residents. "Policymakers should work with residents to develop plans, and then the managers can carry out those plans. Councillors should not be the ones hogging the limelight," Ndlovu continued. He also suggested that a neutral platform for engagement should be established, with development committees in each ward having knowledge of plans and projects in their areas.

Ndlovu further argued that councillors possess the potential to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and public health, but that this potential has not been fully utilized. "People are complaining that some councillors are there to represent their political parties and not the people who voted them in. In ward 19, for example, the previous councillor did a thorough job, while the current one is indifferent and doesn't even know the sewage hotspots," he said.

Residents have also expressed concerns about a lack of vision and leadership, with some accusing councillors of seeking power and money rather than focusing on community development. "We have leaders who are after money and power, while others are allowing outsiders to take control of our streets, demanding money in exchange for so-called development," one resident noted.

However, Mxolisi Mahlangu, the councillor for ward 3, defended the work of some councillors, claiming that he actively engages with his residents and receives positive feedback. "It's not the same with my ward. I receive messages from people in my ward appreciating the work I do, every day. These complaints should be directed to those councillors who are not working. It's not all of us who are like that," Mahlangu said.

Mahlangu also acknowledged the challenges faced by councillors due to limited resources, particularly the financial constraints in the city. "People should understand that councillors are limited by the resources available. Imagine earning US$39 and being expected to use fuel to move around the ward," he said, explaining that the city's resource shortages make it difficult to effectively conduct meetings and address concerns.

Despite these challenges, the growing discontent among residents highlights the need for a more effective and responsive local governance system in Bulawayo, one that prioritizes the needs and voices of its residents over political interests.