Staff Reporter
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart, has affirmed his determination to stay in office amidst increasing calls for him to resign following the departure of the CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa.
Coltart joins a growing list of CCC members, including notable figures such as MP for Norton, Richard Tsvangirayi, MP for Marondera Central, Caston Mutewu, and Kuwadzana East MP, Charlton Hwende, who are committed to fulfilling their five-year terms in office. Their decision stems from a dedication to the constituents who elected them and a reluctance to abandon the principles of accountability and service.
In a statement, Coltart affirmed his decision not to resign, citing the support and encouragement he received from the residents of Bulawayo.
He emphasized his commitment to serving the community and expressed a willingness to face potential recall rather than betray the trust bestowed upon him by the people.
“My decision is that I will not resign as Mayor of Bulawayo and will endeavour to see out my 5-year term. I am conscious that I can be recalled at any time, but so be it. I would rather be removed from office by unscrupulous politicians than betray the trust and goodwill of innocent, hardworking, and principled residents of Bulawayo by resigning,” said Coltart.
Additionally, Coltart addressed the internal divisions within the opposition, expressing sadness over the rift between Chamisa, Tendai Biti, and Welshman Ncube. Coltart lamented the discord among long-time allies and emphasized the need for unity within the opposition movement.
“Long before Nelson Chamisa resigned, I publicly expressed my sadness and regret about the apparent rift between Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube. All three of these men are friends of mine with whom I have been in the trenches ever since the MDC was launched on the 11th September 1999,” said Coltart.
Meanwhile, with Chamisa's departure from the CCC, his once-loyal supporters appear to be abandoning him, further complicating his future political prospects Political analyst Jonathan Moyo weighed in on Chamisa's prospects, suggesting that his envisioned new party may face challenges similar to those encountered by the CCC, attributing the struggles to a lack of robust organizational structures.
