PicturePicture courtesy of Radio Dialogue
Bulawayo has a new Mayor. Ward 3 Councillor Martin Moyo (left) has been elected as the new Mayor of the City of  Bulawayo with Gift Banda (right) elected as his deputy. The pair will lead the new team of 29 councilors which was sworn in last week in the council chambers.

His election put an end to the speculation and on-going conflict between the Ministry of Local Government and the MDC-T over the leadership of the council with the MDC-T opting for the appointment of a non-councillor, Mandla Nyathi and the Ministry insisting on the election of a Councillor for the Mayoral position.

The new council and its leadership has an uphill task as the city battles to provide water and satisfactory services to its residents. The council also faces a demanding youth population that seeks recreational facilities, health services, job opportunities and skills training amongst many needs.

We wait to see what will come of this new arrangement, and whether or not it will do justice to the electorate. Maybe this is the team that will restore the city to its legendary status as a 'City of Kings and Queens' or we are set for a downfall to insecurity, mismanagement and multi-level poverty. Time will tell...

Find out more about the election here