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Comment on Harare City Councillors' statement
Combined Harare Residents' Association (CHRA)
March 26, 2004

Read The Herald account

Dear Colleagues

If anyone had any doubts left about the regime's intentions regarding our democratic institutions, this should dispel such illusions for ever! Are you going to continue to keep silent while the regime destroys what little democratic space we have left? It might not be your 'area', it might not be your NGO's 'core business', local government might not be 'sexy', but if you don't speak out as well as act on this then you cannot expect solidarity from others when the regime comes for you and come they will.

CHRA has already called for a boycott of the new rates and charges and was engaged in extensive dialogue with Councillors to some substantial effect

(Despite the unauthorised mouthings of the so-called Public Relations Manager Lesley Gwindi). CHRA believed the 2004 budget was devised and imposed by Nomutsa Chideya, the Town Clerk reinstated by Chombo, a minister in an illegitimate regime that has consistently demonstrated its contempt for our democratic rights. Chideya is now Harare's de facto mayor, following the capitulation of Councillor Makwavarara and her willing compliance with the partisan dictates of her 'new' masters.

This latest outrageous behaviour is enough evidence to prove that the Mugabe regime has re-established its full political control of the capital city and has therefore restored its access to our city's lucrative financial and patronage opportunities. Until such time as this control reverts to the democratically elected representatives of the citizens of Harare, CHRA regards all decisions, charges, contracts and other business emanating from 'occupied' Town Hall as illegitimate and calls upon our citizens and all Zimbabweans to resist to the fullest extent of their capacities.

Support your councillors. Support your elected Mayor Elias Mudzuri emudzuri@mango.zw. Support your local resident's association. Democracy begins on your street and in your neighbourhood, in your hearts, your actions and your relationships.

Contact CHRA for details of your local councillor or residents association

Visit the CHRA fact sheet

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