by Christopher Makaza.

The beleaguered opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa has once again threatened to fire three MDC councillors for allegedly absconding a Harare councillor’s caucus strategic orientation workshop held in the capital during the weekend.

The three are Barnabas Ndira of ward 21, Loveness Gomba of ward 36 and Tendai Katsaira of ward 1.

Chamisa allegedly instructed the three to write reports explaining reasons why they absconded themselves or else he would fire them.

Addressing the councillors, Chamisa implored them to further their education claiming that he had been receiving complaints from Harare residents that elected councillors were dull as they fail to address daily challenges being faced by residents. The opposition leader also complained about reports of unprofessionalism and corrupt tendencies levelled against the councillors by the same residents.

Relatedly, Chamisa warned councillors against recruiting unsuitable and unqualified party activists to council posts at the expense of competent and qualified people.

Former mayor Bernard Manyenyeni once noted that the majority of councillors in Harare lacked essential skills and there was need for political parties to forward individuals with reasonable educational qualifications to ensure the smooth running of council. His sentiments echoed those of his predecessor Muchadeyi Masunda who also bemoaned the poor calibre of councillors in the MDC dominated Harare City council as he highlighted the need for councillors to be competent in fields such as engineering, town planning and finance.

During the workshop, Chamisa also said he learnt from residents that some of the councillors were engaged in adulterous activities especially with married women. Chamisa threatened to fire such councillors as they put the name of the party into disrepute.

Chamisa further complained about councillors who don`t attend funerals in their respective wards arguing that they should assist and interact with the people who voted for them.

Chamisa’s dictatorship traits continue to divide the opposition party. Last month he forced elected Chegutu mayor councillor Henry Muchatibaya to resign directing another elected mayor in Masvingo, Advocate Collins Maboke, to do the same because both were not his preferred candidates. Councillors Muchatibaya and Maboke were elected mayors ahead of Chamisa’s preferred candidates, Councillor Mathias Shumba in Chegutu and Councillor Godfrey Kurauone in Masvingo.