Chamisa throws councillors under the bus

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa yesterday condemned Harare councillors for abandoning their duties once elected, as he appeared before the commission of inquiry investigating the financial affairs of the capital city. Chamisa was responding to allegations that he had directed councillors to fast-track the regularisation of settlements in Harare, a claim he vehemently denied.

The commission, established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in May 2024 and led by retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, is tasked with auditing Harare's financial management and ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management Act. During his testimony, Chamisa was asked to address accusations that he had given a directive to councillors to expedite land regularisation processes, potentially in collaboration with land barons.

Evidence leader Tabani Mpofu pointed to evidence suggesting that councillors were working with land barons. In response, Chamisa distanced himself from the allegations, claiming ignorance of such activities.

"Well, I am not aware of that process, but what I am aware of is that there is a lot of tomfoolery and shenanigans within the context of local authorities," Chamisa stated. "What bleeds my heart is that each time councillors are elected on a party ticket, the moment they go into council, they go bonkers, run amok, and throw away all dictates of reason, loyalty, and allegiance to the party."

Chamisa also expressed frustration over the destruction of houses by the council, which had previously allowed the construction of these properties. He condemned the indiscriminate demolitions, describing them as a violation of citizens' rights.

"I take umbrage and great exception to people who then choose to undermine the rights of others in terms of the Constitution," he said. "Naturally, I would have issues with any kind of disposition where people's houses are destroyed. But as regards processes within the council, I am not a councillor, not a mayor, not even a council official."

Chamisa explained that as a political party leader, he had limited control over the actions of individual councillors, as local authorities are governed by statutes such as the Urban Councils Act. He highlighted the challenge of holding councillors accountable due to the lack of party control over local governance structures.

"The Urban Councils Act governs the processes within councils. There is no way individual citizens, or even political parties, can have direct authority over council processes," Chamisa noted. "I just hope the commission will appreciate that delinquent characters must be held accountable for their actions."

The former opposition leader also denied being involved in the discussions referenced in a recorded conversation where his name was allegedly mentioned by a councillor. Chamisa claimed he had no personal knowledge of the councillor and noted that with over 2,000 councillors under the CCC banner, it would be impossible for him to address each one individually.

"I would never address a few councillors like the ones mentioned. If I were to address anyone, I would address the entirety of the people," Chamisa stated, emphasizing the importance of evidence in substantiating such claims.

The commission's inquiry continues as it seeks to uncover the truth behind the financial mismanagement and land regularisation issues plaguing the capital.