“…it seems that the councillors are not interested in having offices.”
Sithembinkosi L. Jiyane
Bulawayo – The consistency and steadfast timing of politicians engaging with the public during election periods paints a picture of leadership accountability, where leaders and voters exhibit clear rules of engagement.
Unfortunately, these seemingly choreographed scenes of political actors jostling to please the electorate have had a negative effect in Cowdray Park, with the area’s leadership failing to stay true to its promises.
The sprawling suburb is now witnessing a trend of politicians snubbing public engagements. What stands out, however, is not just the absence of these leaders but the manner in which they disregard their duties.
This has exacerbated the litany of developmental challenges plaguing the area, characterized by poor service delivery. The issue of politician-citizen engagement came under heavy criticism this past weekend, with the majority of Cowdray Park’s leaders failing to attend a scheduled meeting.
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The meeting, held last Saturday, was meant to provide a platform for accountability, allowing residents to engage with their Ward Councillors, Senator, and Member of Parliament. However, only Senator Collette Ndlovu and Councillor Ashton Mhlanga attended. Councillors Nkosilathi Hove- Mpofu (Ward 6) and Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu (Ward 28), along with MP Arthur Mujeyi, were conspicuously absent.
Residents particularly slammed Councillor Nkosilathi Hove- Mpofu for failing to attend a meeting held in his own ward. While MP Mujeyi sent an apology, his absence still drew ire.
“The councillor’s lack of transparency, accountability, and absence from meetings sparks concerns that they are evading resident inquiries,” said one community leader who chose to remain anonymous.
Trust Dube, representing Ward 6, Segment 6, voiced frustrations:
“In our segment, we have a resident representative who has never attended any meetings yet still holds the position. We also have a Zibuthe chairperson and a councillor who oversteps his boundaries, causing conflict among residents. Specifically, he interferes with the electricity committee, demonstrating a lack of understanding of protocol and his role.”
Local representatives have faced growing criticism for their lack of engagement, accountability, and failure to attend meetings or acknowledge residents’ support.
“This community lacks effective leadership, as evidenced by the absence of basic amenities like roads, sewerage, electricity, and bin collection by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC)—despite payments being made,” said Mrs. A. Siziba of Segment 8A.
The meeting’s agenda focused on progress reports from elected leaders and community development. However, Dube of Segment 7B argued:
“Cowdray Park is not developed at all. For example, there are no roads, no sewerage, no electricity, and no drainage. A lot needs to be done.”
With councillors frequently missing public meetings, residents suggested that the BCC build offices for them in their respective wards for easier access. However, Senator Ndlovu pointed out that the initiative depends on the councillors themselves.
“It’s clear that councillors are in charge of the council. Yet, when asked, they claim the council has not provided them with offices. Ironically, it’s the councillors themselves who oversee the council’s operations,” the senator said.
“In essence, it seems that the councillors are not interested in having offices, which is puzzling given their role in governing the council.”
The senator also addressed the Garikai housing scheme, noting that the MP was expected to provide answers regarding why residents were being asked to pay twice. However, the MP failed to respond, instead promising to consult the Minister and report back at the next meeting.
Additionally, concerns were raised about Garikai Terminus Clinic’s practice of locking its gates and the unavailability of the ambulance at the government clinic at Mpompini.
“It seems the clinic staff may have forgotten that the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, as they continue to close their gates,” the senator remarked.
“We also need to determine why the ambulance is not readily available and find a solution to ensure patients receive timely medical transportation.”
Meanwhile, J. Tshuma, representing Segment 10, raised concerns about the dissolution of a resident-elected committee overseeing an electricity project. The councillor allegedly replaced the committee with volunteers under the development committee—a move Tshuma believes has stalled progress.
“I have a challenge that I wish to be addressed… In my segment, progress is not being made. It may seem like gossip, but the councillor dissolved the committee last month and placed volunteers under the development committee.”
Senator Ndlovu condemned the move, stating that the councillor had no authority to dissolve a resident-elected body.
“It’s like having a club where members contribute their own money, and then the councillor comes in and says, ‘I want this person to be the chairperson.’ That’s not how it works,” the senator explained.
“The councillor’s actions were unacceptable and disregarded the residents’ autonomy.”
Is Cowdray Park’s Progress Hindered by Its Elected Leaders?
The senator’s call to action underscores the need for councillors to prioritize their constituents’ needs and work toward resolving the community’s pressing issues.
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