Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube has urged residents to actively participate in identifying his successor as he approaches the end of his extended term.
Speaking during a water indaba hosted by the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) and the Bulawayo Water Assembly (BUWA), Dube addressed the importance of community involvement while reflecting on his tenure.
Dube clarified the circumstances surrounding his temporary departure in September, attributing it to procedural delays rather than any form of victimisation.
“I have served as your Town Clerk for the past eight years. In September, I had to step down due to procedural requirements temporarily. There were concerns that I was being victimised, but I assure you, I was not,” he said.
He explained that while council had resolved to extend his contract, government approval was delayed.
“When my contract ended on September 30, I had no formal agreement to continue at the time. The council had extended my contract, but government approval was still pending. Once the extension was approved, I resumed my duties. I am now 64 years old and have one year left, during which I look forward to residents identifying my successor,” Dube stated.
Section 132 of the Urban Councils Act states that a council may appoint a person “approved by the Local Government Board” to be Town Clerk and requires councils to recommend to the Board the names of suitable candidates for appointment.
Under the Act councils do not have a free choice in the appointment of senior officials and, if the council appointed a town clerk without getting the Board’s approval, it would have contravened the Act.
Dube also addressed comparisons between his administration and those of his predecessors.
“There are often comparisons to past leadership, but every era is different. Some served during times when conditions were more favourable. I am leading in an era of drought, water scarcity, and multi-currency systems. These are unprecedented challenges,” he said.
Acknowledging the city’s ongoing service delivery issues, Dube noted that he, too, is directly affected by these challenges.
“When Bulawayo residents complain about service delivery, I feel the impact just as deeply. As the senior officer employed in this city, I must focus on finding solutions. Instead of lamenting, we must work together on sustainability strategies to address these challenges.”
Dube assured residents that his administration is working on reforms to improve the city’s resilience and efficiency, particularly in the water sector.
“We are not sitting idly. One of our key focus areas has been making the water sector more attractive through reforms. These efforts are essential for building a sustainable future for our city,” he said.
