The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube, Municipal Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council has bestowed the honour of Alderman to Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo and six former councillors, it has been learnt.
For one to be bestowed with the position of Alderman, they should have served the local authority for eight years for mayors and 10 years for councillors.
“A municipal council may appoint to dignity of Alderman any person who has held office as mayor or councillor in that council for a period of, or for periods which in the aggregate amount to, eight years or more in the case of mayor, or 10 years or more in the case of a councillor,” reads part of the Urban Councils Act on the elevation to Alderman.
According to a council confidential report, Clr Moyo has been elevated together with, former mayor Thaba Moyo, former councillors, Ngwalo Nyathi, Israel Mabaleka, Amen Mpofu, Elmon Mpofu and Phineas Ndlovu.
“For the last council, the ceremonies were not held because of outstanding matters that council had first to deal with. However, there was no jurisdiction for council to go prior to the 2008-2013 council, as council each year during prior periods did meet and deliberate on who to confer such a status.
“In the current council there were no councillors who had served 10 years. Aldermen were authorised to use the crest and armorial bearings designed by council during their term of office and after. They signed the roll of Aldermen and were also presented with Aldermanic scroll (certificate), badge and silver casket,” reads part of the report.
The mayor, despite not having served the mandatory 10 years as councillor, however, qualified for the honour as he has spent eight years, part of which were in the position of mayor.
Council spokesperson Miss Bongiwe Ngwenya revealed that to date the city has conferred 27 former councillors with the Alderman honour, with the last being Mr Matson Hlalo on 18 November 2005.
“There is no financial benefit; however, Aldermen retain their title after completing their term of office. They are invited to occasions such as the annual review, special meetings or when their colleagues pass away.
“They are entitled to the following benefits when they pass away; standard coffin, grave at Lady Stanley Cemetery, wreath, transport during burial in Bulawayo, burial programme preparation and a special council meeting in their honour,” said Miss Ngwenya.
