Political Reporter
Details have surfaced shedding light on why Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart has adamantly refused to step down from his position in solidarity with the former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa.
A source close to the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed to this publication that Coltart's decision may be financially motivated.
According to the source, Coltart is benefiting from substantial monetary allowances provided by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), which he is reluctant to relinquish.
The source disclosed, "The Mayor is receiving significant perks from the council, including hefty monetary allowances. It seems he is unwilling to part ways with such lucrative benefits."
The source further elaborated that Coltart enjoyed additional privileges, such as travel and subsistence allowances.
The Mayor reportedly received a substantial sum arising from travel and subsistence allowances for attending two recent events, namely the annual African Mayor's Leadership Initiative (AMALI) conference held at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and an investment dinner hosted in Johannesburg in November 2023.
Furthermore, the source alleged that Coltart's reluctance to resign may also be tied to promised perks from the council, including a commercial stand in the affluent Hillside suburb of Bulawayo and the provision of a top-of-the-range vehicle.
"It appears that Coltart is more concerned with personal gain than serving the people of Bulawayo," the source asserted.
Addressing Coltart's previous claims of receiving a meagre salary of US$25 from the BCC, the source vehemently refuted such assertions.
"Coltart's public statements about his salary are misleading. He conveniently fails to disclose the extensive benefits he receives, including free accommodation, fuel coupons, and various other privileges," the source criticised.
The revelations have sparked outrage among residents, with many questioning Coltart's integrity and commitment to public service.
Calls for transparency and accountability within the BCC are growing louder as citizens demand a thorough investigation into Coltart's alleged financial motives.
Efforts to reach Mayor Coltart for comment on these allegations were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
