News / National
Beitbridge Councillors suspend Mayor over incompetence
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Tensions reached a boiling point at Beitbridge Town Council on Monday evening as Councillors passed a vote of no confidence in Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta, accusing him of incompetence, dereliction of duty, and hindering key capital projects meant to improve the town.
In a full council meeting that stretched into the evening, six Councillors supported a motion tabled by Ward 4 Councillor Emmanuel Takutaku, leading to the mayor's immediate suspension. Most of the Councillors are affiliated with the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), under which Mafuta was elected.
The council resolved that Deputy Mayor John Manatsa would assume mayoral duties in an acting capacity while the matter is referred to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works for a final decision.
"As Councillors, we have lost confidence in the leadership of the Mayor, Mr Peter Pirato Mafuta," reads part of the motion adopted. "The Urban Councils Act requires the council, through the office of the Mayor, to supervise the executive. The council has several resolutions and projects that were budgeted for years back, but to date, they have not been completed."
Among the stalled capital projects cited by Councillors are the long-delayed upgrade of the Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus, the acquisition of a grader for road maintenance, and the construction of a sewer trunk in Beitbridge's expanding suburbs. Councillors said these critical developments have failed to progress due to the mayor's lack of leadership and poor communication.
Further criticism was directed at Mafuta's alleged chronic absenteeism, which they claim has crippled council operations. Councillors lamented that despite a clearly outlined meeting calendar, full council meetings were frequently cancelled or delayed because the mayor was not available to preside.
Water shortages, which have plagued Beitbridge residents since 2024, were also highlighted in the no-confidence motion, with Councillors accusing the mayor of failing to engage effectively with stakeholders to address the crisis.
"The continued stagnation on critical service delivery issues is making residents lose trust in the ability of their elected representatives," said one Councillor who supported the motion.
The Ministry of Local Government is now expected to respond to the recommendation. Until then, the suspended mayor will not perform any official duties, pending a formal outcome.
In a full council meeting that stretched into the evening, six Councillors supported a motion tabled by Ward 4 Councillor Emmanuel Takutaku, leading to the mayor's immediate suspension. Most of the Councillors are affiliated with the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), under which Mafuta was elected.
The council resolved that Deputy Mayor John Manatsa would assume mayoral duties in an acting capacity while the matter is referred to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works for a final decision.
"As Councillors, we have lost confidence in the leadership of the Mayor, Mr Peter Pirato Mafuta," reads part of the motion adopted. "The Urban Councils Act requires the council, through the office of the Mayor, to supervise the executive. The council has several resolutions and projects that were budgeted for years back, but to date, they have not been completed."
Further criticism was directed at Mafuta's alleged chronic absenteeism, which they claim has crippled council operations. Councillors lamented that despite a clearly outlined meeting calendar, full council meetings were frequently cancelled or delayed because the mayor was not available to preside.
Water shortages, which have plagued Beitbridge residents since 2024, were also highlighted in the no-confidence motion, with Councillors accusing the mayor of failing to engage effectively with stakeholders to address the crisis.
"The continued stagnation on critical service delivery issues is making residents lose trust in the ability of their elected representatives," said one Councillor who supported the motion.
The Ministry of Local Government is now expected to respond to the recommendation. Until then, the suspended mayor will not perform any official duties, pending a formal outcome.
Source - The Herald
