Antonio Mourinho Mwanza Writes:
SIMON MWEWA NEEDS THE COUNCIL SUPPORT
Let me start by giving credit where it is due.
Mayor Simon Chitambala Mwewa’s zeal and commitment is undeniable. His hands-on approach is refreshing, and his affection for a clean and better Lusaka is clear for everyone to see.
But there is a legal reality that every mayor — including Simon Chitambala Mwewa — must understand:
THE MAYOR IS NOT THE COUNCIL.
Under Section 9 of the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019, the Mayor is the head of the council. His functions include presiding over council meetings and overseeing the implementation of council decisions and resolutions.
That last part is critical.
The Mayor does not make council decisions alone.
Under the Third Schedule to the Act, council decisions are made by a majority of councillors present and voting. The Mayor has a vote and a casting vote when there is a tie — but he does not possess the votes of the entire council.
So, bluntly put:
THE MAYOR CAN LEAD THE COUNCIL, BUT HE CANNOT REPLACE THE COUNCIL.
Simon Chitambala Mwewa can have all the energy, brilliant ideas and determination in the world. He can inspect garbage collection at dawn and personally champion a cleaner Lusaka.
But if he cannot persuade, mobilise and align his fellow councillors behind his vision, he risks becoming a frustrated mayor.
This is not about weakening Mr Mwewa.
It is about understanding where real power sits.
The answer is not to fight the council.
THE ANSWER IS TO WIN THE COUNCIL.
Lusaka City Council must develop a clear city transformation agenda centred on:
- Clean Lusaka — reliable waste collection in every ward.
- Drainage & flooding — identify and fix the worst hotspots before the rains.
- Roads & public spaces — transparent maintenance programmes based on need.
- Modern markets — sanitation, water, lighting, drainage and order.
- Digital council services — reduce cash handling and make payments transparent.
- Public accountability — publish council budgets, projects, contractors, payments and progress.
- Strong Ward Development Committees — let residents participate in setting priorities and monitoring projects.
And every councillor should be asking one simple question:
“What are we doing to make life better for the people who elected us?”
Simon Mwewa has the energy.
He has the zeal.
He certainly has the visibility.
Now he needs to turn that energy into institutional power through the council.
And he needs everyone’s support! S