By Correspondent
Masvingo Mayor Collins Maboke, who was disq1ualified from contesting for Council, is set to run as an independent legislative candidate for Masvingo Urban.
Maboke said he could not understand his disqualification.
Again, since the CCC has no structures, he said he had no way to go for appeal.
“CCC has no structures nor constitution so there is nowhere to appeal to.
“I did not receive any communication on the reasons for my suspension.
“I then consulted citizens who encouraged me to stand as an independent,” he said.
The Chamisa Feud
However, the disqualification of Maboke can be traced back a few years ago when he clashed with CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
In 2019 he defied Chamisa and stood as Masvingo Mayor even after a directive that he should resign.
As per MDC’s directive, Ward 4 councillor Godfrey Kurauone was supposed to be the mayor deputised by Ward 1 councillor Selina Maridza.
However, Maboke won while a ZANU PF councilor became the deputy mayor.
This was despite MDC having seven councillors out of ten while Zanu PF only had three.
Chamisa then gave Maboke a one week ultimatum to resign or face expulsion from the party.
Speaking before a provincial council meeting he said he wouldn’t tolerate indiscipline.
“We need discipline in our party.
“We cannot let people run around doing whatever they want disobeying party directives.
“Here in Masvingo, we gave a directive on who should be mayor but the councillors went on to do what they wanted in the chambers resulting in the donation of the deputy mayoral post to Zanu PF.
“Maboke is not our mayor and I want to address this issue once and for all.
“I am giving him one week to resign or we will expel him from the party.
“It is better to know that Masvingo is under Zanu PF than to have Zanu PF within MDC,” said Chamisa.
Further Warnings
Furthermore, Chamisa warned provincial chairperson James Gumbi, believed to be protecting Maboke, that he would be dealt with if he did not see to it that the councillors follow party directives.
Chamisa also threatened to fire all councillors and risk by-elections if Maboke failed to resign.
However, Chamisa and Maboke reportedly later ironed out their differences and he continued with his role as Mayor.