Zim GBC News Reporter
Beitbridge – Councillors in Beitbridge have ousted Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta in a dramatic vote of no confidence, accusing him of incompetence, neglect of duty, and chronic delays in key development projects.
The motion, passed Monday evening during a heated full council meeting, saw the opposition-led council appoint Deputy Mayor John Manatsa as acting mayor while awaiting confirmation from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
The resolution, tabled by Ward 4 Councillor Emmanuel Takutaku and backed by six others, stated:
“As councillors, we have lost confidence in the leadership of Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta. The Urban Councils Act mandates the mayor to oversee council operations, yet critical projects remain stalled despite being budgeted for years ago.”
Among the failed initiatives highlighted were:
- Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus upgrades (delayed since approval)
- Acquisition of a grader (unfulfilled despite allocations)
- Sewer trunk line construction (left incomplete in new suburbs)
Councillors further accused Mafuta of being frequently unavailable, disrupting scheduled meetings.
“The mayor’s constant unavailability has crippled progress. We have an approved meeting calendar, yet he fails to attend, leaving urgent matters unresolved,” said one councillor who preferred anonymity.
With the majority of Beitbridge councillors belonging to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the vote reflects growing impatience with perceived administrative inefficiency.
Acting Mayor John Manatsa assured residents that service delivery would now take priority.
“We will expedite stalled projects and ensure transparency in council operations,” he pledged.
The council has formally suspended Mafuta pending ministerial approval of their decision. If endorsed, a new mayor will be elected to complete the term.
Residents have welcomed the move, with some expressing hope for long-delayed infrastructure developments.
“We’ve waited too long for these projects. Maybe now things will move,” said a local trader near the unfinished bus terminus.
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