Zimpapers Logo

Midlands Correspondent
THE son of the late first black Gweru mayor, Patrick Kombayi, Mr Hamutendi Kombayi, is eyeing the city’s top post together with three other councillors. Mr Kombayi who was elected councillor for Gweru’s Ward One on an MDC-T ticket during the just ended harmonised elections is reportedly openly lobbying for the post.

According to sources, Mr Kombayi (35) has the backing of Gweru Urban Member of the National Assembly elect, Mr Sesel Zvidzayi.
However, Mr Kombayi is facing stiff competition from other MDC-T councillors, Mr Albert Chirawu (Ward 1), Mr Jonathan Chikozho (Ward 10) and Mr Kenneth Sithole, who retained his seat in Ward 4.

The sources said Mr Kombayi was the most active and was secretly meeting other councillors canvassing for support. “From the look of things, it seems Mr Kombayi is a serious contender and is already meeting some councillors lobbying for support,” said a councillor-elect who requested not to be named.

The sources said Mr Kombayi recently invited the majority of elected councillors to his Midlands Hotel where he solicited for their support. Mr Kombayi yesterday confirmed he was interested in the  post.

“I am determined to get into the shoes of my late father and continue to work for the people like he used to. I want to continue with his legacy and I will be happy to land the Gweru mayoral job. I am confident of landing the job but obviously this will depend on the support I will get from other councillors,” he said.

Mr Sithole also confirmed that he was interested in the post.
He said some returning councillors had approached him and asked him to take over the city’s top  job.

“I worked well with other returning councillors and they saw it fit that I should take over as the Gweru mayor. Being a mayor means being a leader to other councillors and I think most of the returning councillors saw it fit for me to lead them, which I will definitely do when elected,” he said.
Mr Chirawu and Mr Chikozho could not be reached for comment yesterday.