MDC-T has resolved to recall acting Harare mayor Councillor Chris Mbanga for alleged violation of the opposition party’s position regarding the controversial appointment of Mr James Mushore as the city’s town clerk.
The decision was communicated via email last week by MDC-T secretary-general Mr Douglas Mwonzora to the party’s secretary for local government Mr Eddie Cross.
Communications seen by The Sunday Mail show Mr Mushore threatened to leave if MDC-T failed to get rid of Cllr Mbanga. In the communication, Mr Mushore calls Cllr Mbanga “the head of the snake” at Harare City Council.
MDC-T councillors are deeply divided over Mr Mushore’s appointment to the extent of failing to even convene a special full council meeting to hammer out a solution.
Cllr Mbanga was appointed acting mayor following Mr Ben Manyenyeni’s suspension and has maintained that Government’s overturning of Mr Mushore’s appointment stands.
This position has put him at odds with some senior members of his party who are baying for his blood.
Wrote Mr Mwonzora to Mr Cross on Thursday, “The standing committee resolved yesterday that Mbanga be charged and brought before that national disciplinary committee for continuous violation of the party position in council. I am currently in Pretoria but I request you to get in touch with Sengweni so as to formulate the charges against him.
“Thereafter he will be suspended pending disciplinary action. We will have to recall him after due process. But as of now he can be suspended pending disciplinary action.”
Mr Mwonzora said he would arrange with Ms Paurina Mpariwa to sign the necessary documents.
That same day, Mr Mushore wrote to Mr Cross expressing dissatisfaction with the handling of the matter.
“My patience is nearing an end. If the party cannot deal with Mbanga by recalling him then it is pointless my staying at council. I have been there for two months now and have made scant progress because of the divisions in council caused by Mbanga and others.
“The head of the snake at council is Mbanga. He must be recalled. If that does not happen immediately then i must reconsider my position as effectively my hands are tied behind my back.”
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