Staff Reporter
The Commission of Inquiry into the Governance of Harare City Council has revealed alarming inefficiencies and corruption within the city's local authority, including the failure to account for the exact number of employees currently engaged at Town House.
The latest developments add to the growing list of scandals that have marred the council, painting a picture of widespread corruption and gross incompetence. The inquiry led by, retired High Court Judge, Justice Maphios Cheda brought these issues to light during council proceedings this Tuesday.
Chairperson of the Human Resources Committee for Harare City Council, Councilor George Mujajati, found himself in the hot seat as he struggled to provide clear answers regarding the number of employees on the council's payroll. When pressed for specifics, Mujajati's response was vague.
"It is around plus or minus 10,000 employees because I only joined as the HR committee chairperson recently. But I am going to delegate so that I get the full details. This is the oversight I must correct as the chairperson and Councilor,” he said.
His inability to provide a definitive answer did not sit well with Justice Cheda, who sternly warned Mujajati against being evasive, reminding him of the consequences of misleading the Commission.
"Anyone who lies before the Commission of Inquiry shall be liable to an offence, and this is the situation in which you are because since you came here, you have been trying to lie and be evasive. So please make up your mind," the judge cautioned.
The HR debacle is just one facet of a broader governance crisis at the Harare City Council.
Earlier in the proceedings, Housing Development Officer Edgar Dzehonye admitted that governance issues within the council have reached a critical point, particularly concerning the allocation of residential stands.
“I confirm that illegal land allocations have become rampant, with parcels being distributed unlawfully as a matter of routine.
“The inquiry has already unearthed a disturbing web of alleged corrupt activities within the council, including the squandering of millions of US dollars on unauthorized workshops and the illegal distribution of thousands of hectares of land,” explained Dzehonye.
The situation underscores a glaring lack of accountability and transparency in the council’s operations, fueling public outcry and demands for a complete overhaul of the city’s governance structure.
As the Commission of Inquiry continues its investigation, the Harare City Council's credibility hangs in the balance. The council, already under heavy scrutiny for its questionable practices, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding public trust. With such glaring lapses in governance, it remains to be seen if the city’s leadership can correct and steer Harare back toward transparency and accountability.
