By Commander Dessy
GWERU President Nelson Chamisa’s ally and activist who is also Mkoba South Legislator, Honorable John Kuka, did not mince words when addressing his former bosses at Gweru City Council, yesterday. Known as “Hon. J.K.” to the Mkoba family of President Chamisa supporters who elected him over Zanu-PF and allied parties like MDC-A under D. Mwonzora, Kuka delivered a scathing speech, yesterday.
Speaking at a funeral in Mambo Suburbs, Ward 7 of Mkoba South, Gweru, Hon. Kuka mourned the tragic loss of Gweru Council employee Richard Longwe, who died with a female colleague, Merry Svinurai, after suffocating in a sewer main hole while attempting to clear a blockage in Athelone, Gweru. Hon. Kuka used the occasion to call out Gweru City Council management and officials.
The outspoken young leader criticized the council’s lack of seriousness, pointing out that Longwe, who held an allocation for a stand in Mkoba 21, had yet to formally acquire it. He revealed that over a hundred Gweru City employees have died without receiving their designated plots from the council. “How will the council ensure these deceased employees’ properties are properly passed on to their families?” he asked. Hon. Kuka condemned the council’s failure to pay workers on time, with some going three months without pay, and criticized the devaluation of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZIG) currency, which further erodes their earnings. “Given the state of our economy, it’s better to pay employees on time, even if it’s little, rather than delaying while currency values continue to plummet,” he said, adding, “Ipai mushandi zvishoma izvozvo asi nenguva, nekut mushandi ndimambo.”
Hon. Kuka urged the council to take responsibility for the families of these “fallen heroes and heroines” who died serving the community. “These people were breadwinners. Richard supported his parents, siblings, wife and children, and Merry left behind two children under her mother’s care.”
He also called for unity between council management and councilors to resolve the issue of employee stands, noting that many employees have remained tenants for over ten years, despite being promised stands.
The youthful MP has earned a reputation for challenging corruption and negligence. He frequently goes head-to-head with Zanu-PF ministers in Parliament, holding them accountable for neglecting their duties.
Before closing, the devoted Christian MP offered comfort with a scripture from Job, reminding those mourning that “everyone born of a woman has only a few days on earth.” He added, “As we grieve, let us remember that in due time, we will be reunited with them at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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