CCC supporters cry foul over imposition of Mayor

REDCLIFF — Citizen for Coalition Change (CCC) supporters in Rutendo and Redcliff are not happy with
the candidature selection process of the Redcliff Mayor and his deputy.
They complained that councillors, Clayton Masiyatsva and Shangwa Masiyiwa were allegedly
imposed as Mayor and deputy respectively for their second term.
Dozens of party supporters gathered outside Redcliff Town house just after the elections and
swearing in ceremony of the two councillors to express their disappointment over the selection
process.
This publication spoke to the disgruntled CCC members who said they were not happy with the
decision to allow the two – Masiyatsva and Masiyiwa to bounce back as Mayor and Deputy Mayor
respectively.
"We are crying out to the President of CCC Nelson Chamisa who we heard picked the names of the
Mayor of Redcliff and his Deputy. We should have been given the chance to choose our own leaders
as it us who stay with these people, we know them very well. It us who should choose not the
president," said one fuming lady.
Another party supporter said: "I am not happy with what happened today regarding the mayoral
elections. I am a staunch supporter of CCC and I stand with president Chamisa from MDC to CCC but
his decision today does not reflect our will the people of Rutendo and Redcliff.
“His choice makes us feel that we are being sidelined at the expense of Torwood. Mayor and his
deputy both come from Torwood and last term development was centred on Torwood their home
area,” said Mai Banda of Rutendo, citing the refurbishment Torwood cemetery – leaving Rutendo
and Redcliff cemeteries in a dilapidated state.
Virginia Mukutsiri said: “This is a direct message to my president (Chamisa). In Redcliff, we have
three residential areas namely Rutendo, Redcliff and Torwood but why is it that preference is only
given to Torwood. Why can’t we have a deputy from Rutendo or Redcliff.
Another Redcliff resident who declined to be named in fear of victimisation echoed the sentiments
made by Mukutsiri who called for an end to the recycling of community leaders.
"The candidates names came from party hierarchy of which this is wrong. We want to select our
own Mayors. We are not happy with this. We can’t keep recycling leaders this was a planned thing,"
said the young woman.
Westwell Mapetese, who works in the office of outgoing Redcliff Member of Parliament Llyod
Mukapiko's office, refuted allegations levelled against the party by the supporters.
"It is true that the two candidates come from Torwood. The issue here is about the selection
process. The Mayor is experienced and we are quite happy with his work. We look forward to see
him continue his good work where he left. Deputy Mayor as well has been a councillor and it is his
second term as deputy. We are happy and excited that the two will continue very well,” he said.

He refuted allegations that CCC leader Chamisa imposed the Mayor and the deputy.
"I will not agree with people saying the president imposed the candidates. The president is there to
guide us as a party but people make the decisions and selection process. Our process starts from CV
vetting for aspiring candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
“Those interested send their CVs and they go through the vetting panel. Stakeholders and
councillors are also consulted. We know everyone has his or her preferred candidate and it might
not come their way.
“We expect CCC members to accept the outcome and work together going forward for the
development of Redcliff. It is not true that development is biased towards Torwood. All areas are
being equally serviced," said Mapetese.