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Harare Extends Capital Commission - Without Makwavarara In Chair


Local Government Minister Ignatius Chombo extended the term of the commission that runs Harare for a fifth time - but the controversial panel will no longer be headed by Sekesai Makwavarara, chairwoman since the commission’s creation in 2004.

Correspondent Irwin Chifera of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe reported.

Though Makwavarara’s four years in power were controversial, political analysts say her departure will not fundamentally change matters because the ruling ZANU-PF party continues to appoint its loyalists to run Zimbabwe's capital city.

Makwavarara, a defector from the opposition, had lost support within the ruling party - last year the central committee of the Harare branch of ZANU-PF voted no confidence in her just days after Chombo had extended her tenure by six months.

The late William Nhara, spokesman at that time for the ZANU-PF provincial branch, said at the time that she “lacked leadership qualities and professionalism”.

Harare-based analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya told reporter Carole Gombakomba of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that Makwavarara's departure will not bring political change as ZANU-PF will keep Harare government in its grip at least until next year’s elections.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...

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