Drama Unfolds At Makoni Rural, Councillors vs Acting Chair Hlanguyo

By Shingirai Vambe

A power struggle has erupted at Makoni Rural District Council, with over 30 out of 52 councillors expressing discomfort with the leadership of acting Chairperson Ellah Hlanguyo. Hlanguyo, who was appointed as an independent person to temporarily run the affairs of the council, has been accused of irregularities and inconsistencies with the Rural Councils Act.

In A letter this publications is in possession of dated February 25 2025, Councillors wrote to the District Development Coordinator, Edwin Mashindi, requesting that the council hold an election for chairman and deputy after the lapse of 90 days. However, Mashindi has refused to handle the matter, citing the safety of his job and claiming that the current situation was initiated by the minister who appointed Hlanguyo.

The tensions came to a head during an urgent meeting to discuss the appointment of former Council Engineer, Leonard Chidembo as Chief Executive Officer. Councillor Zakaria Mhuriyengwe questioned the day-to-day running of the council, citing irregularities and inconsistencies with the law. Hlanguyo, exercising her powers, quickly called for security to escort Mhuriyengwe out of the chamber.

In a dramatic turn of events, Mhuriyengwe refused to leave, laying down on the floor and demanding answers. The meeting was eventually postponed, and council business came to a standstill with majority of the Councillors siding with Mhuriyengwe.

Allegations of Collusion and Power Play

Seven Councillors who spoke to this publication alleged that Hlanguyo was working in cahoots with Kudzanai Chipanga and Makoni South legislator Albert Nyakuedza. One councillor praised Hlanguyo’s initial appointment as a good move, particularly in dealing with the cases involving former CEO Edward Pise and Council Chairman Guy Mutasa. However, the councillor criticized Hlanguyo for becoming “too big for her shoes” and for dissolving all committees and the council’s board.

According to the Rural Council Act, again, Local Authorities run through committees, which constitutes a council. Only the Minister has the powers to dissolve and appoint a commission to run the activities of the local authority, in this case, Hlanguyo’s actions, raise more dust and may open a big cane of worms.

Efforts to contact Hlanguyo for comment as to where she got the powers, were unsuccessful, with her mobile phone switched off at the time of going to publish.

The Law and the Election Process

The law prescribes that a council must hold an election 90 days after the death or removal of the elected chairman to choose a new chairman. However, Hlanguyo has allegedly blocked efforts and discussions regarding the election process.

The Local Government Minister, Daniel Garwe, is once again at the center of the council’s circus. The situation highlights the challenges of politics and governance in Zimbabwe, where institutions are often exposed to manipulation and power struggles.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Councillors will resolve their differences and ensure that the council is run in accordance with the law.