Charles Chikozho

Service / Career

Events

After commuting daily from her home in Redcliff, Elizabeth Gwatipedza, has moved into her official residence in the city in April 2014. She spent a year commuting from Redcliff where she used to be the town secretary. She moved into a new house in South View suburb, low-density suburbs, but would not disclose how much was spent in buying the property. Investigations revealed that she was using approximately 160 litres of fuel monthly. Early this year mayor Charles Chikozho said it was council’s obligation to make sure that decent accommodation was secured for Gwatipedza as part of her package. Prior to that, council had made a resolution that Gwatipedza occupy the idle mayoral mansion, but rescinded that decision to uphold its 2015 decision for the white elephant to be turned into a guest house. ^[1]

In October 2018, former town clerk Daniel Matawu and incumbent Elizabeth Gwatipedza were being paid for the same job due to a legal technicality. An extraordinary council meeting was held to deal with the matter after the new councillors, led by mayor Josiah Makombe, expressed concern about the arrangement. The salary is understood to be $6 000.

A committee (three councillors and two managers) was set up of former mayor Charles Chikozho, finance committee chair Martin Chivhoko, councillor Trust Chineni, finance director Edgar Mwedzi and human resources manager Jepson Nemusoso, to investigate the matter and report back within seven days. We intend to rope in a labour expert as well so that the matter of two people being paid for one post is put to rest.

Daniel Matawu was suspended and then fired in July 2016 by the Tsunga Mhangami commission. His dismissal followed recommendations by a board of inquiry appointed to probe allegations of corruption at Town House, which found him guilty on 15 counts of gross incompetence and neglect of duties.

Daniel Matawu challenged his dismissal at the Bulawayo High Court and Justice Nicholas Matonsi ruled in his favour in March this year and ordered his reinstatement. But the local authority had already hired Elizabeth Gwatipedza to fill the post, leading into a gentleman’s agreement that ensured Daniel Matawu would just get his salary despite not coming to work. ^[2]