…as Chinobva becomes the de facto mayor for Masvingo

Senior Reporter

In an alarming development that threatens the integrity of democratic processes, allegations of rampant nepotism have surfaced within the ranks of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.

That party's Director in the Organising Department, Farai Chinobva, is now being dubbed the "de facto" mayor of Masvingo.

An insider, on the condition of anonymity, revealed to this publication a web of influence, suggesting that Chinobva masterminded the election of his girlfriend, Shantel Chiwara, as mayoress of Masvingo.

The source claims that Chinobva and party leader Nelson Chamisa connived to place Chiwara in the influential municipal position, further insinuating that she would be ‘taking instructions from Chinobva’.

"Initially, the councillors were resistant to the idea of Chiwara as mayoress. However, Chinobva managed to persuade Chamisa, emphasizing that with Chiwara at the helm, Chamisa's interests in the province would be safeguarded," said the insider.

The behind-the-scenes manipulations allegedly didn't stop there. Chinobva reportedly tried to allay Chamisa's initial reservations saying that, “Mudhara regai babie rangu rimbodyawo, ka na akapinda panyanga zvinobatsira tese.”

The source further alleges that Chinobva dangled attractive promises before Chamisa.

 "He assured Chamisa that with Chiwara in the influential position, the party leader would easily acquire residential and business stands in Masvingo," the source claimed.

Chinobva also allegedly painted a picture of Masvingo becoming a lucrative source of funds for both Chamisa and the CCC, insinuating that Chiwara would siphon a portion of the municipality's revenue to support the party and its leadership.

The chain of command, as described by the insider, implies a concerning dynamic.

 "Chiwara would be taking instructions from Chinobva, who would then be acting upon directives from Chamisa,” added the source.

In another twist, there are whispers that mayors under the CCC banner are reportedly obliged to redirect a fraction of their municipal funds to Chamisa as gratitude for his support in their ascension to the coveted mayor and mayoress positions.

However, these allegations, if true, cast a shadow on the credibility of the CCC's commitment to transparent governance and meritocracy.