Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News Editor
BULAWAYO – Embattled Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube has become the center of a growing political storm after refusing to vacate office and instead lobbying for a controversial contract extension that could keep him in power until age 70.
Dube, who has held the powerful post since 2016, recently wrote to the mayor and councillors demanding that council reverse its February 2024 resolution, which set his retirement for November 2026 with a review clause at age 65.
In a confidential letter dated September 30, 2025, Dube argued that his continued employment should be aligned with the new government policy Statutory Instrument 198 of 2024, which extended the retirement age for local authority chief executive officers from 65 to 70 years.
The town clerk’s attempt to extend his tenure has drawn sharp criticism from residents, political analysts, and civic groups, who accuse him of clinging to power while presiding over a crumbling city infrastructure.
Assembly of Minorities president Mudenda Chilumbo was particularly critical of Dube’s move, stating:
“No one must be found to be above the law. The biggest problem is not the town clerk. The biggest problems are their masters. Obviously, his employers, up to the president of Zimbabwe.”
Chilumbo further questioned Dube’s performance record, noting:
“He’s not yet convinced about his mistakes and misappropriation of resources under his administration.”
The minority leader insisted that Dube’s time had come to an end, adding:
“So, everybody who is in public office now is becoming defiant because the leader himself doesn’t respect the constitution by pushing his supporters to run behind the 2030 agenda, which is against the constitution.”
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about service delivery in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, with many residents questioning whether leadership continuity would address the municipality’s mounting challenges.
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