During the inquiry into the administration of Harare City Council held on Tuesday, the Chairperson of the local authority’s Human Resources Committee, Councillor George Mujajati revealed that councillors and management were complicit in irregular practices.
These included questionable recruitment of officials, dubious land dealings, and expensive workshops that drained significant amounts of money from the city’s resources.
When pressed further by the inquiry panel, Councillor Mujajati admitted that the council paid former Human Capital Officer, Matthew Marara a hefty package of nearly US$300,000 before controversially reinstating him this year to hold dual positions.
The circumstances surrounding his re-admission remain unclear and have raised concern about the integrity of the council's hiring practices.
Councillor Mujajati also struggled to provide a satisfactory explanation for allegations regarding targeted staff transfers, which were reportedly aimed at obstructing investigations into corruption cases within the council.
“I do agree that there is need for councillors, who have the required qualifications, to be authoritative over the executive,” he said.
"The anticipation is that it will be complete before the six-month period," the commission noted.
After the inquiry concludes, the Commission is expected to submit a comprehensive report to President Mnangagwa within three months.
