Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
In a move that has raised concerns about the erosion of democracy, the ZANU PF-led government has ordered all Mayors and Councils chairpersons to attend indoctrination sessions at Rainbow Towers Hotel, organized by the ruling party’s Chitepo School of Ideology.
A letter signed by K. Ncube, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, states that all mayors and chairpersons are invited to participate in local authorities training conducted by the Chitepo School of Ideology from 21 to 23 August 2024.
Journalist and government critic Hopewell Chinono has condemned the move, saying it undermines democratic principles and exerts control over local officials.
“This is merely an excuse to loot public funds for ZANUPF through these indoctrination sessions, wasting local councils’ time and threatening mayors who don’t attend,” Chinono wrote on X.
Chinono also highlighted the irony of the situation, where the government is begging for money from the rest of the world to mitigate drought while using public funds for indoctrination sessions. “ZANU PF lost in all urban areas, its ideology was rejected by the voters in these cities, why use government funds to force itself on people who rejected it?” he asked.
The move has been seen as an attempt by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to exert control over local officials and undermine democratic principles.
“By instructing civil servants to do the work of ZANU PF, and forcing Mayors to attend indoctrination sessions, Mnangagwa has destroyed any semblance of democracy,” Chinono said.
Zim GBC News © 2024