DAVID COLTART STANDS FIRM: WHY THE BULAWAYO MAYOR REFUSES TO QUIT

David Coltart, the Mayor of Bulawayo, has decided to stay in office, even though many people in the opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), are leaving. This includes Nelson Chamisa, the leader of CCC, who resigned on January 25. Other key members also left the party and Parliament.

Coltart has been working hard to solve Bulawayo’s problems. The city has big issues, like serious water shortages and many years of being ignored. Many people thought he might resign too, but he made a different choice. Before deciding, he asked people in Bulawayo what they thought. He used social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp to hear their opinions. The response was clear—people wanted him to stay.

Coltart believes in democracy, freedom, and serving the people of Bulawayo. Many respected activists, some with over 60 years of experience in fighting for democracy, also urged him not to leave. They believe his leadership is important not just for Bulawayo, but for the whole country.

The city’s water crisis is one of the biggest challenges Coltart is working on. He has started projects to find both quick and long-term solutions. If he steps down, these efforts might suffer. He also spoke to Nelson Chamisa before Chamisa resigned. Chamisa advised him to continue his work. This shows that even though Chamisa left, he still saw the importance of Coltart staying.

Coltart says his decision is not just about refusing to resign. He sees it as a bigger fight for democracy in Zimbabwe. He looks up to historical figures who stood against injustice. His Christian faith also guides him. He talks about being “salt and light” in a world full of corruption and wrongdoing. By staying in office, he hopes to bring positive change and encourage others to fight for what is right.

Some people wonder if staying in office means Coltart is betraying Chamisa or trying to gain something for himself. He disagrees. He points out that being mayor is not about money. In fact, his monthly allowance is only US$25. For him, being mayor is about helping the people. He says Chamisa inspired him, and he still wants to serve the public, just like Chamisa and other leaders who stood for democracy.

Zimbabwe’s politics is full of problems. Many leaders have been forced to resign or have been removed from their positions. But Coltart refuses to let politics decide Bulawayo’s future. His decision to stay gives hope to many. It shows that leadership is about commitment, not just about following what others do.

Bulawayo is facing many struggles. The people need strong and steady leadership. Coltart staying on as mayor brings stability to the city. It also sends a strong message about democracy in Zimbabwe. While many are leaving, he chooses to stand firm.