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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
UNDER attack Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Tinashe Kambarami yesterday said MDC’s purging of councillors can shake investor confidence in the opposition party-run municipalities.

Clr Kambarami was on Monday given seven-day ultimatum to step down as the city’s Deputy Mayor or risk being expelled from the party and council.

MDC has so far fired Victoria Falls Mayor Clr Somvelo Dlamini as well as Chegutu Mayor Clr Henry Muchatibaya and six other councillors for defying the party.

In an interview, Clr Kambarami said he had done nothing to warrant his resignation as Deputy Mayor.

“Somehow this (purging) thing diverts one’s focus in doing things. It also affects projects that are already running. In case where there are investors who are coming to do business, it doesn’t give them confidence in the leadership of the council,” said Clr Kambarami.

He said since the party did not indicate before elections who they wanted to be elected to lead the council, the councillors voted for individuals they thought were capable of doing the job.

“I went through an election which is a democratic process and this is what we thought the party wanted,” he said.

Clr Kambarami who admitted there were squabbles in the Mr Nelson Chamisa-led party over his election, said he did not expect the party to fire him from his position as Deputy Mayor.

There are reports that Clr Kambarami is already being sidelined by the Mayor Clr Solomon Mguni who is working with Clr Mlandu Ncube, the party’s preferred candidae for the Deputy Mayor’s post.

Clr Kambarami said he was yet to engage the party’s senior leadership over its decision.

“I’m yet to communicate and find out what is really happening. I wasn’t expecting such a letter. I know people have been fighting but I didn’t expect this. I wouldn’t say I would or wouldn’t resign because I haven’t heard from the national leadership,” said Clr Kambarami. — @nqotshili