_Forward Everywhere_ *Chiredzi residents angry as their councillors plan US$ 51,000 trip to South Korea* > *....Concerns Grow as Chiredzi Town Council Workers Go Three Months Without Salaries* Advertise with us WhatsApp +263 77 443 4698 Ngatibatane pa WhatsApp Channel 👇🏾 *View and Follow and Share this channel* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJEcyNDTkK81mXyWB0s The citizens of Chiredzi are voicing their outrage over Mayor Clr Charumbira's decision to allocate $51,000 for an international trip to the Youth World Camp in Busan, South Korea, scheduled for July 4 to 16, 2025. This trip, which includes two junior councillors and a focus person, has sparked significant controversy, especially as the local council has failed to pay its workers for the past three months. Clr Charumbira, a member of Zanu PF, was appointed after the party recalled a Citizens Coalition for Change councillor for supporting President Nelson Chamisa. Insiders suggest that Charumbira is misappropriating funds, fully aware that he may not be re-elected in 2028. The invitation for the trip was issued by K. Ncube, the Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, in a letter addressed to the Chiredzi town secretary on May 5, 2025. Ncube stated that "your local authority will be responsible for funding the expenses of its members." However, a councillor who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation emphasized that spending such a substantial amount on a trip is unjustifiable while employees remain unpaid. In response, Hon. Ropafadzo Makumire, the Member of Parliament for Chiredzi Central, has called for the immediate cancellation of the trip. In a letter dated June 11, 2025, he urged the council to prioritize the welfare of its employees and the essential services they provide, rather than incurring unnecessary expenses that do not benefit the community. Local residents and ratepayers have echoed these concerns, criticizing the council for its mismanagement of funds and prioritizing leisure over essential services. While many councillors acknowledge that there was no formal resolution permitting this trip, Clr Charumbira and other management staff have reportedly overridden objections, leading to funds being withdrawn for airfares and other expenses. The situation has left many in Chiredzi feeling frustrated and neglected as they await overdue salaries and improved service delivery.