Govt Board extends Bulawayo Town Clerk's term to 2030

The Local Government Board has approved the extension of Christopher Dube's contract as Bulawayo Town Clerk to 2030, bringing an end to months of uncertainty and internal divisions within the city's leadership.

The decision follows a prolonged dispute at Bulawayo City Council, where Mayor David Coltart had openly opposed the extension, advocating for a different administrative direction.

In a formal communication addressed to Coltart, the board confirmed that it had approved council's resolution to extend Dube's contract. The extension will initially run for one year from November 30, 2025, to November 30, 2026, under existing conditions, before a further four-year term takes effect from December 1, 2026.

"Reference is made to council correspondences dated 15 December 2025 and 14 January, 2026. The Local Government Board, through resolution number LGB 01126 approved the resolution of council… Please be guided accordingly," reads part of the correspondence.

The ruling effectively settles the dispute that had divided councillors and senior management at City Hall.

Dube has served as Town Clerk since October 1, 2016, having moved from the Municipality of Victoria Falls, where he held the same position. He succeeded the late Middleton Nyoni.

As the chief administrative officer, the Town Clerk plays a critical role in implementing council resolutions, managing staff, and overseeing service delivery across the city.

Debate over his contract extension reached a peak last November when a council meeting descended into chaos. Mayor Coltart later claimed he had adjourned the meeting due to alleged intimidation of councillors and officials. However, his deputy, Edwin Ndlovu, dismissed the claims, insisting the proceedings were lawful and orderly even after the mayor exited the chamber.

The matter was eventually resolved during a subsequent special council meeting, where councillors voted to extend Dube's contract - citing satisfactory performance despite limited resources.

The council's General Purposes Committee had initially recommended a shorter extension while seeking legal clarity on whether Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, which raises the retirement age to 70, applies to fixed-term contracts. However, a majority of councillors opted to proceed with a longer-term extension.

Following the resolution, Coltart was mandated to forward the decision to the Local Government Board, which has the statutory authority to oversee senior appointments in local authorities and ensure compliance with national regulations.

The board's approval now formalises Dube's continued tenure, providing administrative continuity at a time when the city faces ongoing service delivery and governance challenges.