Coltart turns to Judith Ncube over town clerk's contract renewal

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart has confirmed that the city's Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, will have his contract extended following a deadlock among councillors over the matter. The decision comes after Councillor Coltart sought the intervention of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Judith Ncube, to help resolve the impasse.

The dispute arose during an emotionally charged council meeting, which Mayor Coltart said he adjourned, claiming that councillors and senior managers were subjected to intimidation. Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, however, disputed these claims, insisting that the meeting was orderly, properly constituted, and proceeded within the law even after the mayor left the chamber.

The issue was ultimately settled during a special council meeting last Thursday, where councillors resolved to extend Mr Dube's contract initially by one year to November 2026, followed by a further four-year extension to 2030. Mr Dube's contract was set to expire at midnight on the day of the meeting.

The contract extension followed a motion by Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu, seconded by Councillor Aston Mhlanga, which was endorsed with 17 councillors voting in favour, seven against, and one abstention. Councillors voted against the need to seek an opinion from the Attorney-General or to conduct a performance review, citing that Mr Dube has been performing his duties satisfactorily despite working with limited resources.

Prior to the special meeting, Minister Ncube convened a discussion attended by herself, Mayor Coltart, Mr Dube, the Permanent Secretary in her office, Mr Paul Nyoni, and a director from the Office of the President and Cabinet. According to a council report, all parties agreed that it would be constructive for the Bulawayo City Council to pass a resolution to resolve the matter. Mayor Coltart subsequently convened the special meeting under section 84(3) of the Urban Councils Act to facilitate debate and passage of the resolution before the end of the month.

Clr Coltart confirmed the resolution, stating that the contract extension reflects the council's confidence in Mr Dube's performance and ensures continuity of leadership at the city's administrative office.