Business Unit Manager x2 (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant - JAC (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – DONG FENG (Harare)

Vehicle Sales Consultant – BAIC (Harare)

Spray Painter (Harare)

Motor Vehicle Panel Beater (Harare)

Team Leaders x7

Billing Supervisor (Harare)

Sales Representative (Harare)

Auto Electrician: Artisan (Chipinge)

Sales Representatives (Harare)

Boilermaker- Class 1 (Mutorashanga)

Director Human Resource (Mutare)

Content Developers And Content Reviewers Of Social Work Modules

Accounts Clerk (Marondera)

Lecturers: Faculty of Social and Gender Transformative Sciences x6

Secretary: Department of Social Work (Harare)

Senior Airport Attendant (Harare)

Human Resource Officer (Harare)

Secretary (Harare)

Business Analyst (Mutare)

Statistician (Harare)

Assistant Batch Plant Operator (Harare)

Solar Electrical Technician (Harare)

Nurse Training January 2025 Intake

Sales Representative x2 (Bulawayo)

TFCA Programme Officer (Grade D1)

Senior Internal Auditor (Harare)

Human Capital Consultant (Harare)

Property Portfolio Manager (Bulawayo)

Legal & Compliance Manager (Harare)

Processes Analyst (Harare)

Finance Manager Corporate (Harare)

Tyre Fitter (Chipinge)

Auto Electrician (Chipinge)

Class One Electrician (Harare)

Underwriting Administrator (Bulawayo)

Undertaker (Harare & Bulawayo)

Mortician (Harare & Bulawayo)

Funeral Consultant (Harare & Bulawayo)

Accounts Officer (Bulawayo)

Transport Clerk (Harare)

Senior Research Officer in Molecular Biology (Harare)

Genomics Technician (Harare)

Semi-Skilled DPF/Tractor Mechanic (Chipinge)

Department of Clothing and Textile Lectureship Position

Department of Environmental Science and Technology Lectureship Positions x4

Department of Biotechnology – Lectureship Positions x2

Department of Food Science and Technology Lectureship Position

Department of Material Science and Engineering Technology Lectureship Positions x2

Department of Information Technology Lectureship Position

Department of Biology Lectureship Position

Department of Mathematics and Statistics Lecturer Position

Department of Chemistry Lectureship Position

Management Accountant (Harare)

Canteen Cook (Harare)

Canteen Supervisor (Grade 5)

Driver (Mutare)

Strategic Information and Evaluation (SIE) Clerks

Field Officers: SUPPORT-TB

Provincial TB Focal Person (Mutare, Gweru)

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Manager (Harare)

Workshop Foreman (Harare)

Business Unit Manager (Bulawayo)

Parts Manager (Harare)

Branch Managers (Harare)

Draughtsperson (Norton)

Graduate Trainee – Human Resources (Harare)

Procurement Manager (Harare)

Finance Administrator (Harare)

Artisan Electricians (Chipinge)

Electrician (Harare)

Assistant Motor Bike Mechanic (Harare)

Motor Bike Mechanic (Harare)

Transport Mechanic (Harare)

Registered General Nurse: Fixed Term (Bulawayo)

Front Desk Assistant -Glenview Wellness Clinic (Harare)

2025 Apprenticeship Intake: CFAO

2025 Apprenticeship Training Intake

Exhibitions Officer (Harare)

General Manager (Harare)

Optical Dispensing Assistant

Welder

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Accountancy x5

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Mathematics x2

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Human Capital Management x2

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Marketing

Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor: Analytical Chemistry

Sales Manager (Harare)

Personal Assistant (Harare)

General Hand (Bulawayo)

Internal Audit Assistant (Harare)

Sales Driver (Bindura)

Dog Handler (Marondera)

Personal Assistant To The Librarian (Marondera)

General Trade Business Development Manager (Harare)

The Harare City Council (HCC) has proposed a US$1 emergency services levy per household to fund the city’s struggling emergency services, along with another US$1 levy for street lighting.
During the presentation of the 2025 budget proposal, Finance and Development Committee chair Councillor Costa Mande said that the city currently has only four functional ambulances, despite needing 32. Said Mande:
<blockquote>
Our emergency services require urgent capacitation. Out of a requirement of 32 ambulances, only four are functional.
To this effect, we are proposing the introduction of emergency services and street lighting levies in the 2025 fiscal year to augment funding.
Households will be charged US$1 as an emergency services levy and US$1 as a street lighting levy. An emergency services levy is a crucial financial tool which will provide a dedicated source of revenue to fund essential emergency services.
</blockquote>
He said the street lights levy will create a dedicated revenue stream for installing street lighting infrastructure.
Mande added that the lack of resources is worsened by customers’ unwillingness to pay.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Harare City Council wants to charge households US$1 for emergency services and US$1 for street lighting. They need money to help their struggling emergency services, as they only have four working ambulances instead of the 32 they need. They hope this levy will create a steady income to fund these important services. The council is also struggling because people are not paying their bills. It's important to help the city have enough resources to keep everyone safe.

Harare City Council Proposes US$1 Levy For Street Lighting

The Information for Development Trust (IDT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in corporate and political governance, has expressed concerns about the central government’s interference in the Harare City Council’s (HCC) efforts to demolish illegal structures. They argue that this interference poses a threat to the rule of law.
The controversy arose after Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced that the government had ordered HCC to halt the demolition of homes built on illegally acquired land.
In a statement, IDT suggested that the central government’s intervention appears to be motivated more by image management than by a commitment to good governance. It added:
<blockquote>
Critics argue this undermines local authority efforts, perpetuates illegal settlements, and fails to hold land barons accountable.
The interference raises questions about the separation of powers, as political considerations override judicial rulings.
The opposition-led HCC faces persistent challenges from the ruling government, weakening public trust and service delivery.
While ensuring humane demolitions is essential, undermining the law risks creating a culture of impunity.
The government must address root causes like poverty, corruption, and housing shortages while respecting judicial independence and local authority autonomy.
Failure to strike this balance threatens governance and the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume recently announced that the city council plans to demolish over 5,000 illegal structures, having obtained 37 High Court orders to support the action.
The demolitions are part of an ongoing effort to address illegal constructions that have proliferated across the capital.
However, the decision to halt the demolitions for the time being has raised questions. Speaking at his ministry’s strategic workshop for 2025 in Bulawayo on Thursday, Minister Garwe said that the pause was made to avoid negative publicity as Zimbabwe prepares to host the Southern African Development Community (SADC) extraordinary summit this week.
Garwe also accused the opposition CCC-led Harare City Council of deliberately timing the demolitions to coincide with the summit.
He suggested that the council’s actions were intended to attract unwanted attention, undermining the country’s image on the international stage during such an important event.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is telling Harare not to knock down homes built in wrong places. A group thinks this is bad for rule of law. The government also stopped the demolition to look good for a big meeting. People are worried this is not fair. The city council wants to knock down lots of illegal buildings. They have permission from the courts. Some think the government is stopping them to avoid bad press. People say the government should fix poverty and corruption instead of stopping the law. This could make a bad impact on how the country is run.

"Government Interference In Harare Demolitions Threatens Rule Of Law"

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the tenure of the Commission of Inquiry into the governance of Harare City Council by three months to allow it to complete its work.
The Commission, set up on May 10 with an initial six-month mandate to probe HCC from 2017, now has until early February 2025 to complete its work and report back to the President by early May.
Chaired by retired High Court judge Justice Maphios Cheda, the Commission includes former MDC top official Lucia Matibenga, Steven Chakaipa, Tabani Vusa Mpofu, and Khonzani Ncube. Local Government and Public Works Secretary John Basera is the commission’s secretary.
In Proclamation 5 of 2024, gazetted in Statutory Instrument 180 of 2024 on November 8, President Mnangagwa exercised the option of a three-month extension, extending the investigation to nine months.
The Commission’s terms of reference include investigating financial management systems, and audit compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, and other laws.
The Commission will investigate the financial management of revenue generated through special vehicle companies and other outsourced arrangements, such as Rufaro Marketing and City Parking.
The Commission will also investigate why Harare has not had an Enterprise Resource Planning system to manage its accounts since 2019 and quantify any resulting losses.
The Auditor-General has reported that the lack of an appropriate system has made it impossible to determine what has happened to some council revenue and whether funds are being misappropriated.
The Commission will investigate the management, sale, lease, or transfer of the local authority’s properties to private entities.
The Commission will also probe the convening of council meetings, adherence to standing orders and rules, and compliance with procurement laws, including the disposal of assets.
The President gave the Commission open-ended authority to investigate any other matter deemed appropriate and relevant to the inquiry.
The Commission has full power to visit premises, summon witnesses, record proceedings, and minute testimonies, and manage all gathered information.
Since being sworn in, the Commission has gathered evidence and questioned councillors and officials in public hearings.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa extended a group's time to check how Harare City is run. The group will now finish in February 2025. The group will look at how money is managed and if rules are followed. They will also see how Harare's properties are used or sold. The group can ask questions and take notes. They have been talking to people and collecting evidence. The President wants them to look at anything they think is important. The group is working hard to make sure everything is fair and correct in Harare City.

Harare City Council Probe Team's Tenure Extended

The City of Harare carried out demolitions of dozens of houses in the Ridgeview area of Belvedere on Thursday, November 7, claiming the structures were built with fraudulent documentation.
In a statement, the City of Harare explained that the illegal buildings had been torn down once before, last year.
However, the occupants, encouraged by land barons who had sold them the land, ignored the council’s orders and rebuilt the structures.
The council said that prior warnings had been issued to the illegal settlers, instructing them to vacate the area before the demolitions took place.
Samuel Nyabeza, the acting director of planning, confirmed that the city is intensifying efforts to remove illegal settlements.
He also issued a stern warning to land barons, stating that they will be arrested without hesitation or favouritism. Said Nyabeza:
<blockquote>
We have to restore order in the city and we will not tolerate a situation where people just build houses without approvals and permission from council. A settlement has to be planned with all amenities in place before people start building.
You cannot build a house without council-approved plans; you cannot build where there are no sewer and water facilities. We urge residents to check with the City of Harare before buying land. Even when building a structure, every stage should have council approvals.
</blockquote>
The City of Harare said the land barons who sold land to unsuspecting residents in Belvedere have been arrested before and are out on bail.
In the meantime, the council has vowed to expand its demolition efforts across various parts of the city, making it clear that it will not tolerate any form of land invasion.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The city of Harare destroyed many houses in Belvedere because they were built without permission. The council had warned the people to leave before demolishing the houses. Land barons sold the illegal land. The city plans to remove more illegal settlements. Residents should get approval before building. Land barons have been arrested in the past. The council will continue demolishing illegal houses to stop land invasion.

Harare City Council Demolishes Dozens Of Houses In Belvedere

The City of Harare has suspended eight municipal police officers over allegations of misconduct inconsistent with their prescribed duties.
According to the local authority’s Corporate Communications Manager, Stanley Gama, the suspended employees were involved in corrupt activities.
On October 21, 2024, at Reliance Mall in Harare’s CBD, patrol officers Takudzwa Majachani and Sipiwe Matavire, who are part of the Environmental Patrolwomen Unit, allegedly masqueraded as police officers tasked with shop licensing duties, despite not being authorized to do so. They demanded shop licenses from a shop owner at the mall, actions that were clearly outside their remit.
On the same day, at Superbrite Soap Manufacturing Company in Workington, patrolmen Taurai Guregure, Hebert Mukumba, Tonderai Nyikadzino, and Douglas Nyemba also posed as police officers responsible for shop licensing. They were intercepted by a team of investigators and found in possession of four dozen bars of soap that they had allegedly extorted from the company.
On October 24, 2024, at 80 Lorraine Drive in Mabelreign, council employees Ignatius Pesvani and Newman Mhereyenyoka, under the Harare Water Department, similarly pretended to be police officers on licensing duties. They demanded shop licenses from Kartoque Company but were arrested by members of the public and handed over to the ZRP Mabelreign Police Station.
On October 26, parking supervisors Mapfumo and Muringisi were reported for arresting a motorist for parking over the lines. They allegedly demanded a bribe of USD $20 in exchange for letting the motorist go. When the bribe was handed over, they disembarked from the car they had initially boarded with the intent of taking it to Central Stores for impounding.
Gama said the City of Harare does not tolerate corruption and urged residents to report any suspicious actions by council officials.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The city of Harare suspended eight police officers for acting corruptly while on duty. Some pretended to be officers in charge of shop licensing and demanded bribes. Others were found with items they had extorted from a company. The city manager said they do not allow corruption and asked people to report any suspicious behavior from city officials.

Harare Suspends Eight Municipal Police Officers Over Corruption Allegations

The City of Harare will shut down Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Waterworks on Thursday and Friday this week for routine maintenance, leading to interruptions in water supply in some parts of the city.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 5, Harare Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said the shutdown will facilitate scouring and necessary repairs of the main line at various chambers from Morton Jaffray, as well as the interconnector from Warren to Alex. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Please be advised that there will be a shutdown of both Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Waterworks from 1200hrs on Thursday 7 November 2024 to 1800hrs on Friday 08 November 2024.
This will allow for scouring and subsequent repairs of the main line at various chambers from Morton Jaffray as well as the Warren to Alex interconnector.
During this time all suburbs will be affected except for parts of the Western high density suburbs (Glen View, Budiriro, parts of Kuwadzana, Mufakose etc).
We therefore encourage consumers to use water sparingly during this time and would like to offer our sincere apologies for any inconveniences that may arise.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The city of Harare is shutting down waterworks for maintenance on Thursday and Friday. This will interrupt water supply in some parts of the city. The main line at Morton Jaffray and the interconnector at Warren will be repaired. The shutdown will begin on Thursday at 1200hrs and end on Friday at 1800hrs. All suburbs except some parts of the Western high density suburbs will be affected. People are advised to use water sparingly during this time. apologies for any inconvenience.

Harare Shuts Down Morton Jaffray And Warren Waterworks For Routine Maintenance

The City of Harare has attributed the rise in congestion levels in the Central Business District, particularly during morning and evening peak periods, to buses and commuter omnibuses picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated points.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 22, Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo reminded stakeholders that such activities by public passenger vehicles are strictly prohibited.
Moyo said that some kombis and buses park on the streets, blocking lanes and causing congestion. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
In an effort to reduce congestion, Council would like to advise public transport operators along Sam Nunjoma (Second Street) that with immediate effect, they must use Coventry Road Rank and Mbare Musika.
All buses destined for Bulawayo that are illegally picking up passengers from the Showgrounds or along Samora Machel Avenue must use Mbare Musika and Coventry Road Bus Rank.
</blockquote>
Moyo also said Market Square, Charge Office, Copacabana, S. Muzenda (4th Street), and Rezende North are the primary commuter omnibus termini designated for use by registered public transport operators. He added:
<blockquote>
All the picking up and dropping points that were established by ZUPCO during the COVID era are no longer operational.
All registered and licenced operators and Commuter Omnibus Associations are being advised to revert to their original operating termini as per permits issued by City of Harare.
Public passenger vehicles are expected to be registered by the relevant authorities that include City of Harare and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development. The permits issued are clear on the ranks, routes and time-tables to be used.
Given the above, the City of Harare wishes to inform residents, public transport operators and stakeholders that we have launched a massive enforcement operation to rid the city of congestion.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare is trying to reduce traffic jams in the CBD by cracking down on rogue kombi operators. These operators are illegally picking up and dropping off passengers, blocking lanes and causing congestion. The Town Clerk said that kombis and buses must use designated ranks and termini to operate. All registered public transport operators are advised to follow the rules and revert to their original operating termini. The City of Harare has launched an enforcement operation to control the congestion. Residents and stakeholders are urged to comply with the regulations to ease traffic congestion in the city.

Crackdown On Rogue Kombi Operators To Ease Traffic Congestion In Harare CBD

A commission of inquiry appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate suspected financial mismanagement and corruption in Harare has faced a major setback with the death of Dr Funny Machipisa, a crucial witness who was expected to testify about corruption at the town house, reported <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/blow-for-ed-probe-team/">Business Times</a>.
Machipisa, who was the District Administration Manager, had gathered a dossier detailing instances of corruption, including irregular allocations of residential and commercial stands by councillors and officials.
Council announced on Monday that Machipisa passed away on Sunday without revealing on the cause of his death.
Before his death this week in Harare, Machipisa had alleged that there were attempts to demote him to a lower position as a tactic to silence him and hinder his testimony.
Thabani Mpofu, the lead investigator for the commission, expressed shock at Machipisa’s passing. He said:
<blockquote>
I am devastated because he was expected to appear (before the commission of inquiry) soon.
</blockquote>
In a letter dated 9 July 2024, Machipisa said he was forced out because he opposed the councillors’ plan to have residential and commercial stands in wealthy suburbs instead of their own wards. He said:
<blockquote>
After I had worked hard in processing reports to council for the allocation of 2 224 residential stands I informed the 59 councillors that they were to be allocated residential stands within their respective wards in terms of the government directive of 2020.
This did not go down well with the councillors as they said they wanted to be allocated stands in leafy suburbs such as Borrowdale, Highlands, Greendale, Mt Pleasant, Malbereign where stands had been created.
</blockquote>
Machipisa said he warned the councillors that they were in breach of a government directive. He wrote before his demise:
<blockquote>
I am the focal person on housing matters in the department and their plan to remove me from office is to avoid my submission of information to the commission of inquiry which is currently investigating the City of Harare on various issues.
Any new person as my replacement will obviously have no information to submit and can be coerced to profess ignorance on housing matters.
Cartels and cabals have been employed to settle scores against both councillors and officials.
</blockquote>
Machipisa had served the council for 41 years before his passing.
Mpofu raised concerns about losing contact with senior council official Matthew Marara, who is supposed to testify regarding corruption in the capital.
Marara is involved in a controversial US$ 300,000 payout from the council before his controversial reinstatement.
The situation has implicated councillors, who now face accusations of complicity.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the Harare City Council said Machipisa was due to retire at the end of 2025. It said:
<blockquote>
The late head of Council District Administration Dr Funny Machipisa was buried yesterday at his Bvochora homestead in Guruve. He passed away on 13 October.
Dr Machipisa was due for retirement on December 31, 2025. He had been with the City of Harare for 41 years.
Dr. Machipisa left a legacy that will forever be cherished in council. Dozens of workers including senior management from the City of Harare attended the ceremony.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Dr. Funny Machipisa, a key witness in a corruption probe in Harare, died before he could testify. He had evidence of corruption in the allocation of residential and commercial stands by councillors and officials. He was pushed out of his role for opposing plans to give stands in wealthy suburbs instead of councillors' own wards. The lead investigator is shocked by his death and concerned about losing contact with another witness, Matthew Marara. The situation has implicated councillors in corruption, and there are fears of losing crucial information in the investigation.

Harare Corruption Probe Faces Setback After Death Of Key Witness

Several Harare City Council (HCC) committee chairpersons lack basic qualifications and do not understand the demands of their roles, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033581/unqualified-councillors-burden-hcc">NewsDay</a>.
This emerged last week during the ongoing commission of inquiry into the City of Harare’s operations, chaired by Retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda.
The commission was appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in May to investigate the council’s system since 2017.
Council committees include business, environment, information and publicity, audit, educational health, housing and community services, and licensing.
For instance, HCC audit committee chairperson, Ward 29 councillor Blessing Duma, confirmed during questioning that they lacked qualifications.
Duma admitted to chairing the audit committee despite having qualifications in journalism and wildlife management.
Justice Cheda questioned Duma’s qualifications for chairing the audit committee, suggesting he might be better suited to other tasks. Said Cheda:
<blockquote>
Don’t you think you are better off running after elephants? You have no qualifications in accounts.
</blockquote>
In response, Duma said that elected councillors often lack the necessary qualifications for their roles, noting that even individuals with minimal education can be elected. He said:
<blockquote>
Even one with a Grade 1 qualification can be elected a councillor. If you go through the curriculum vitaes of councillors at the Town House you would be shocked. We only know about someone’s qualifications later on.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Thabani Mpofu criticised George Mujajati, the human capital resources committee chairperson, for lacking the necessary qualifications. Mujajati admitted to learning on the job, having no prior HR experience.
The commission was also surprised that the business development committee is chaired by Lovemore Makuwerere, who only has an Ordinary Level qualification and couldn’t provide financial details. 
Cecelia Chimbiri, the environment management committee chairperson, was unaware of her committee’s role in regularising stands and struggled to explain the importance of wetlands, citing fear and inexperience.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Some people in charge of committees in Harare City Council don't have the right qualifications for their jobs. A commission set up by President Mnangagwa is investigating this issue. For example, the audit committee chairperson has qualifications in journalism, not accounts. Another committee chairperson has no HR experience. The commission found that some committee heads have very basic qualifications. This lack of expertise can affect the council's ability to do its job properly. Ultimately, it is important for people in leadership roles to have the right qualifications and understanding of their responsibilities.

Harare City Council Committee Chairpersons Lack Necessary Qualifications

The City of Harare has confirmed that Shepherd Mandishona, previously employed as a Senior Environmental Health Officer (SEHO) in the Environmental Health Division, was dismissed from the council effective June 12, 2024.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Harare Town Clerk, Phakamile Mabhena, warned residents that despite his dismissal, Mandishona is masquerading as a Council official, misleading others about his position.
Mabhena urged residents and business owners to report any approach by Mandishona to the City of Harare or the nearest police station. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
This serves to notify residents and stakeholders that Mr Shepherd Mandishona who was employed in the 
Environmental Health Division of the City Health Services Department as a Senior Environmental Health Officer (SEHO) ceased to be an employee of City of Harare with effect from 18 June 2024. A Disciplinary Hearing ruled that he should be dismissed from Council service.
It has come to our attention that Mr Mandishona continues to masquerade as a Council official from City Health Services Department facilitating the acquisition of Business Licenses and Health Registration certificates in an elaborate scheme of corruption and self enrichment. He is not representing the City of Harare in any way.
If this man approaches any business person, urgently alert the City of Harare or the nearest police.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Shepherd Mandishona, a former Senior Environmental Officer in Harare, was fired for fraud. He is pretending to still work for the council. The City of Harare warned people to be aware of him and report any contact with him to the police or council. Mandishona is using his old position to trick people into giving him money. Don't trust him if he tries to help with business licenses or health certificates. Keep an eye out for him and report him if he approaches you.

Former Harare Council Senior Environmental Officer Accused Of Defrauding Residents

Greatman Gwaze, a Harare resident and musician who uses a wheelchair, has given the City of Harare (CoH) a 2-week ultimatum to ensure full and equal access to public and private amenities for people with disabilities.
Gwaze’s lawyer sent a letter to the CoH Town Clerk, stating that Gwaze has suffered prejudice due to lack of accessibility at various locations including shopping malls, restaurants, and police stations.
In the letter written to CoH on 27 September 2024 by Gwaze’s lawyer Moses Nkomo of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Gwaze said that the lack of universal design and accessibility has prevented him from living independently and participating fully in public life, forcing him to rely on others for assistance.
Gwaze cited the provisions of section 56(3) of the Constitution which states that every person has a right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner on such grounds as their nationality, race, tribe, place of birth, ethnic or social origin, language, class, religious belief, political affiliation, opinion, custom, culture, sex, gender, marital status, age, pregnancy, disability or economic or social status, or whether they were born in or out of wedlock.
According to Gwaze, section 83 of the Constitution guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities and these rights include the right to be self-reliant.
He also argued that section 22 of the Constitution provides that the state and other institutions of government at every level must within the limits of resources available, assist persons with physical or mental disabilities to achieve their full potential and to minimise the disadvantages suffered by them.
The musician demanded that CoH provide its Disabled Persons Policy, Building By-Laws plans for implementing universal design, and timelines for compliance by building owners.
Gwaze warned that he will take legal action against CoH if the requested information was not provided within 14 days.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Greatman Gwaze, a musician from Harare who uses a wheelchair, is asking the City of Harare to make sure that places like malls, restaurants, and police stations are accessible for people with disabilities. He sent a letter through his lawyer saying that he has been treated unfairly because he can't go to certain places on his own. He mentioned that the law says everyone should be treated fairly, no matter if they have a disability. If the City of Harare doesn't give him a plan within 2 weeks, he might take legal action. This is to make sure people with disabilities can live independently and be self-reliant.

Musician Greatman Gives Harare Council Ultimatum To Ensure Equal Access For Disabled Citizens

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has warned about a potential humanitarian disaster in Harare and Chitungwiza following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water treatment plant. This decision comes after the drying up of two critical water supply dams, Harava and Seke.
On Wednesday, 28 August, the City of Harare announced the closure of the water treatment plant, which processes water from the Harava and Seke dams for distribution to Chitungwiza and various parts of Harare, including Hatfield, Airport, Waterfalls, and Msasa.
The shutdown of the plant, located near Chitungwiza, is resulting in a daily loss of 70-80 megalitres of water, further exacerbating the already limited supply.
In a statement, CHRA warned that the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water purification plant could lead to serious health crises in both Chitungwiza and Harare. CHRA said:
<blockquote>
The CHRA is warning of a serious humanitarian disaster if urgent contingency plans are not put in place following the decommissioning of the Prince Edward water purification plant by the City of Harare due to the lack of raw water in the Seke and Harava dams.
This has increased the water supply deficit in the city and worsened the ongoing water crisis, impacting the residents of Harare and Chitungwiza.
We reiterate that the lack of raw water in the Seke and Harava dams due to the El Nino-induced drought is a reality of the impact and effects of climate change, which require inclusive climate action and disaster risk reduction planning for resilience building.
</blockquote>
CHRA urged local authorities and the central government to work together to provide alternative water supplies to Harare and Chitungwiza residents. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Given the deepened water crisis, the government and local authorities (City of Harare and Chitungwiza Municipality) must set aside an emergency fund for the provision of alternative water supplies (mobile water bowsers), installation of online chlorinators on all public boreholes and distribution of chlorine tablets.
Development of inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate action plans at the community level for local resilience building.
The government needs to disburse meaningful amounts of devolution funds to the City of Harare, and these funds should be channelled towards financing of improving water infrastructure, in particular reduction of non-revenue water currently standing between 40-50%.
</blockquote>
On Friday, August 30, the Chitungwiza Municipality announced that it will start receiving water from Harare’s Morton Jaffray treatment plant every Friday through Sunday. The municipality plans to distribute this water to as many areas as possible upon its arrival.
Harare City Council’s water director, Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, recently informed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government that the water treatment capacity at Morton Jaffray is 614 megalitres (ML) per day.
In contrast, the capacity at Prince Edward is 90 ML per day. This brings the total capacity to 704 ML per day, intended to serve Harare, Chitungwiza, Norton, Ruwa, and areas extending to Inkomo Barracks.
Moyo noted that the daily water demand is approximately 800 ML, surpassing the production capacity of 704 ML.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The residents' association warns that Harare and Chitungwiza may face a crisis due to drying up of water dams. The water treatment plant had to close, causing a shortage of water in the area. This could lead to health problems for people. The association is urging the government to find alternative water sources and make plans to handle emergencies. Chitungwiza will start receiving water from another treatment plant. But, the demand for water is higher than what can be produced, leading to a serious problem.

Residents Association Warns Of Humanitarian Crisis After Dams Dry Up

City of Harare Councillors have criticised the local authority’s procurement department for allegedly hindering preparations for the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled for August 17.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030598/councillors-fume-over-harare-preps-for-sadc">NewsDay</a>, during a special full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors reportedly took turns lambasting the procurement department for failing to approve the acquisition of equipment needed to uplift the city ahead of the summit.
Chairperson of the subcommittee on Town House renovations and beautification councillor Jane Bingari said:
<blockquote>
So far, the team at the procurement department does not want any progress. They want things which they only benefit from. They don’t want to work at all.
</blockquote>
Councillor Denford Ngadziore said accused the procurement department of only prioritising issues they are benefiting from. Said Ngadziore:
<blockquote>
The procurement department is indeed only serious on issues they are benefiting from. I do not want to raise alarm, but they are not serious and we need to be serious in this department.
</blockquote>
Human resources chairperson George Mujajati said:
<blockquote>
This is a national sabotage and we have observed sabotage and incompetence and we need to sit down and decide on the way forward.
</blockquote>
However, speaking to NewsDay after the meeting, Mayor Jacob Mafume said preparations for the SADC summit were progressing well. He said:
<blockquote>
We are going on with preparations in line with Sadc beautification programme and beyond. We are almost ready to host the summit, but we need now to work day and night.
</blockquote>
Mafume said the city has undertaken several measures to improve preparations for the upcoming SADC Summit including improving road markings, installing new streetlights, repairing traffic lights, and enhancing security at recreational facilities and parks.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

City of Harare councillors are upset with the procurement department because they say it is slowing down preparations for an important summit. The councillors think the procurement department is being selfish and not allowing progress for the city. They say it is a national sabotage and they need to fix the problem. However, the mayor says that preparations are going well and they are almost ready for the summit. They have been working hard to make the city look nice for the event by fixing roads, lights, and other things.

Harare Councillors Accuse Procurement Department Of Sabotage

The government has barred the Harare City Council (HCC) from holding workshops outside the capital, stating that out-of-town workshops were a waste of ratepayers’ money.
Addressing a full council meeting at Town House on Thursday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said they had received a circular from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, regarding this directive. Said Mafume (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030075/govt-cracks-whip-on-hcc-workshops">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The government is saying such workshops should be done with the approval of the government. I have asked my staff to comply.
We are here to protect residents’ affairs in good faith. So we have to comply with the government directive, which is our parent ministry.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced the arrest of town clerk Hosiah Chisango by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on fraud charges. He said:
<blockquote>
The name of the company which had won the tender sounds more like a music outfit than a company that supplies electricity.
Our town clerk has been arrested over the matter, but I do not want to comment further because this is before the courts.
</blockquote>
Mafume also announced that Phakamile Mabhena Moyo will be the acting town clerk.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government stopped Harare City Council from having workshops outside the city because it's a waste of money. The mayor got a message from the Minister of Local Government about this. The government wants to approve all workshops now. The town clerk was arrested for fraud, and a new person will take his place for now. The council has to follow the government's rules to protect the residents. The company that won the tender had a strange name. The mayor didn't want to say too much about the arrest because it's being dealt with by the courts.

Govt Bans Harare City Council From Holding Out-of-Town Workshops

Four Harare City Council officials were this week arraigned before the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges of Criminal Abuse of Duty as Public Officers.
The four accused persons are Never Murerwa (62), Jabulani Mukomazi (44), Denford Zhungu (69) and Tawanda Mutenhabundo (29) who are Manager Supply Chain, Principal Buyer, Principal Accountant and Engineering Technician in the City of Harare respectively.
It is the State’s case that on 15 March 2024, the City of Harare flighted an invitation to tender for the rehabilitation of street lighting across the city. Said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA):
<blockquote>
Eleven companies including Juluka Ennd Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd responded to the invitation. Juluka Ennd Joint Venture was disqualified after failing to meet the tender requirements.
However, the accused persons unprocedurally awarded the tender of two of the ten lots to Juluka Ennd Joint Venture, disregarding an earlier decision to disqualify Juluka Ennd Joint Venture for failing to meet the bid requirements.
Investigations revealed that the accused persons awarded the tender to the company owned by individuals who also own a company which had failed to deliver in a previous tender awarded for a biogas digester in 2019.
This was contrary to the standard bidding regulations which provide that bidders who have a history of failure to execute are not eligible.
Acting upon the accused persons’ recommendations, the City of Harare entered into a contract with Juluka Ennd Joint Venture and thereafter commenced preparation for an advance payment. The tender was valued at US$9 244 328.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that Juluka Ennd Joint Venture is owned by Moses Mpofu who is currently in remand prison alongside his co-accused, Mike Chimombe.
Mpofu and Chimombe are facing fraud charges related to the alleged siphoning of over $7 million from the Presidential Goat Scheme.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Four Harare City Council officials were arrested for not doing their jobs properly. They are accused of giving a big contract to a company that didn't follow the rules. This company, Juluka Ennd Joint Venture, is linked to people who have been involved in other fraud cases. The contract was worth a lot of money, $9 million. The officials now have to go to court to answer for what they did. They could be in big trouble for not being fair and following the right procedures.

Four Harare City Council Officials Arrested For Criminal Abuse Of Duty

Harare City Council (HCC) officials have been awarded new Toyota Fortuner GD-6 sport utility vehicles, each costing around US$70,000 for the lowest-priced model, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200029338/vehicle-scandal-rocks-harare-town-house">NewsDay</a>.
The vehicles, which were reportedly purchased from a local car dealer, were allocated to 10 officials in Grade Four positions at the council.
However, the officials have been reluctant to drive the luxury vehicles to the Town House due to concerns that it may raise eyebrows among the public.
The optics of senior municipal officials using such expensive vehicles, especially at a time when the city is facing numerous infrastructure and service delivery challenges, may be viewed unfavourably by residents. Said a NewsDay source:
<blockquote>
Council secretly brought 10 vehicles for Grade Four officials. 85% of the total cost is paid by the City of Harare. The beneficiaries will pay only 15% which will be deducted from their monthly salaries.
They are not driving the vehicles to Town House because they fear that the other employees will know about the matter. We have a situation where some officials are parking their vehicles outside Town House.
</blockquote>
On Sunday, HCC’s acting finance director, Godfrey Kusangaya, confirmed to NewsDay the acquisition of the vehicles. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a human resource issue, but they got the vehicles through loans. They have loans. People say what they want, but you can get our human resources department if you want more details.
</blockquote>
Yesterday, when contacted by NewsDay, Human Resources and General Purposes Committee Chairperson Councillor George Mujajati declined to comment on the matter.
The report says Stanley Gama, the Council’s Head of Corporate Communications, did not respond to calls made to his mobile phone yesterday.
Precious Shumba, the director of the Harare Residents Trust, has called for government intervention to address this issue, arguing that the council should prioritize service delivery over the purchase of expensive vehicles. Said Shumba:
<blockquote>
Service delivery at Harare City Council has collapsed, refuse collection is almost non-existent, water supply is in shambles, sewer bursts are not being attended to, but we are seeing extravagant displays by council officials.
So we are urging the beneficiaries of these council vehicles to come forward. If they believe that they deserve them, they must drive them to Town House. When they report for duty, they must be seen by fellow council workers.
Council district officers do not have vehicles yet they are the chief representatives of council at local level and they do not have vehicles to move around in communities and residential areas to monitor infrastructural development that is going on and taking place.
I have been to district offices and they do not have stationery to talk about. They do not have computers, they are using their own personal money at council to buy stationery so that they can print.
They have all the money to buy luxury vehicles for senior executives but they abandoned their mandate. We believe the government should intervene in a way that will put a stop to buying luxury things at the expense of service delivery.
</blockquote>
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director Reuben Akili criticised the council for misplaced priorities. He said:
<blockquote>
We have always said that HCC does not know its major priorities. What is the reason for buying such luxurious vehicles?
This is wrong. We are not happy about that at all. We are demanding answers on why these vehicles were bought.
</blockquote>
This is not the first time that the Harare City Council (HCC) has been embroiled in a controversy over the acquisition of luxury vehicles.
Ten years ago, council officials were alleged to have diverted a portion of a US$144.4 million loan from China, which was intended for water and sewer infrastructure projects, to instead purchase 25 high-end vehicles, including Land Rovers and Range Rovers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Officials Awarded Luxury Vehicles

The City of Harare has announced that it will commence the closure of dilapidated public buildings within the city this week. These structures have been deemed unfit for occupation.
According to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/council-to-close-condemned-buildings-this-week">The Sunday Mail</a>, in April 2024, more than 200 buildings, including about 14 tall ones in and around Harare’s central business district, were considered unsafe for occupation.
This followed an inspection by council officials who identified properties with poor ventilation, a lack of emergency exits, and signs of general decay.
The city council then issued the building owners with abatement orders directing them to urgently repair their properties or risk their closure.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Harare City Council town clerk Hosiah Chisango said:
<blockquote>
As of June 1, all the buildings that did not comply (with the orders) will be locked up because we gave them enough grace period to bring through their plans.
If someone fails to use the six-week grace period to spruce up their properties, they will be locked up.
Now, we are going on the ground to tell them that we gave them enough time. This means those licences that are issued by the City Health Department… are not going to be issued until they comply.
</blockquote>
Last month, the Harare City Council issued 233 abatement orders to owners of the buildings.
An abatement order is a legal document issued by a government agency or authorised body to address a building nuisance or violation. It requires the recipient to take specific corrective measures.
For instance, a noise abatement order might be issued by a local council against a noisy nightclub, requiring them to reduce the noise within a specified timeframe. Said Chisango:
<blockquote>
We started issuing abatement orders on April 11, 2024, through to the end of the month.
After we have finished, we are now going into the second phase, where we will not be negotiating because enough grace period was granted to the owners of the buildings.
The second phase, which we are about to commence, is when we go on the ground and check how many have or haven’t complied. We will then lock up those that haven’t complied…
With 233 abatement orders issued, around 30 per cent have complied and have started working on their buildings.
</blockquote>
14 properties, including Mahachi Building, Vivandelphi Court, Stewarts &amp; Lloyds, Dublin House, Msasa House, Bush House, Roslin House, Daventry House and Robin House, were recently deemed unfit for use.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Plans To Close Condemned Buildings

The Harare City Council says it is owed ZiG940 million by residents, businesses, parastatals and government departments, among others, in unpaid rates.
In a statement, the City Council said the unpaid bills have negatively impacted its ability to provide key services to residents.
The Council also said it has since commenced issuing final demands and summons to debtors, and this will be done “without fear or favour.” Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Harare is owed in excess of ZiG940 million by residents, businesses, parastatals and government departments among others. This is money that is needed to run the City operations and service delivery operations.
We have since started issuing final demands and summons to our debtors. The summons will be served on all our debtors without fear or favour.
The City will also embark on a name-and-shame exercise to encourage debtors to settle if they fail to honour their payments.
Names of debtors will be posted on our social media platforms and at all district offices in Harare. To avoid the inconveniences of being taken to court with the possibility of losing property like houses, debtors are urged to immediately settle with the City.
</blockquote>
In response to the City of Harare’s statement posted on social media, residents criticized the council for demanding payment for services it has not provided.
Wezhira Wezhinji wrote:
<blockquote>
As long as you are billing residents for services that are not provided this problem won’t go away, I will give an example in my case, at one point we went close to 5 months without a drop of water but the bill kept coming with estimates.
</blockquote>
Captain Barbossa retorted:
<blockquote>
What service are you providing?
</blockquote>
GeeCee wrote:
<blockquote>
Could you kindly list exactly what the funds are supposed to be used for? And a basic breakdown of how much has been collected in the past 3 months and how it has been allocated. People are more likely to pay when they know where their money is being channelled.
</blockquote>
Finch had to say:
<blockquote>
Your cashiers turn away people saying the system is down. And one time they started questioning me kuti card ramukushandisa nderenyu here, dzokerai munotora maUS kumba. Very lazy people.
</blockquote>
Kaseke said:
<blockquote>
That’s laxity on the part of the council and will not sympathize as you are supposed to jerk up in terms of collections but be that as it may how come you not giving updates on some of our bills which were messed up in Feb 2024 and no word on corrections up to now pse sort out the issue.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Claims Ratepayers Owe ZiG940 Million

The City of Harare has refuted claims of a recent increase in criminal activities, including murders and robberies, in Harare Gardens.
In a public notice issued by Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango on Friday, April 12, the local authority said that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that there is no recent murder case reported in Harare Gardens. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
SECURITY SITUATION IN HARARE GARDENS
We take note of a statement circulating on social media about an upsurge in criminal activities in Harare Gardens including allegations of murder and robbery cases.
Some of the information in the statement is inaccurate. We have checked with the police and they have confirmed that there is no recent murder case reported in Harare Gardens.
The only murder case in Harare Gardens was confirmed months ago and both the ZRP and municipal police have since heightened security.
Our municipal police and the ZRP continue to make regular patrols and these will be increased to protect residents from criminals.
Gangs of street kids and vagrants continue to be taken out of Harare Gardens and the operation will be heightened.
Residents are urged to contact the City Safety Manager, Mr Moyo in case of any suspicious activity not only in Harare Gardens but in the whole City and surrounding areas. Mr Moyo can be contacted on 0777421985.
</blockquote>
On 08 February this year, a woman was stabbed to death by a thief who had allegedly tried to snatch a cellphone from her in Harare Gardens.
The victim, Norest Chimusoro died after being stabbed indiscriminately with an unknown object by the assailant who left her bleeding to her death.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Responds To Reports Of Murders Occurring In Harare Gardens

There are concerns that historical documents dating back to the colonial era belonging to the City of Harare may be lost after water from a river flowing under Julius Nyerere Way seeped into the basement of the capital’s Town House.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025479/historical-documents-destroyed-as-town-house-floods">NewsDay</a>, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), has since switched off electricity at the building for safety reasons.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed that some documents in the building are now drenched in water. He told NewsDay:
<blockquote>
There has been a problem, remember there have been a lot of rains and there are cracks in the basement where water has seeped into the building.
We had a meeting with the National Archives and the Art Gallery. Some historical documents in that building would need a certain type of draining to be done to preserve them.
We are trying to coordinate a process where we would expertly remove the water without damaging the documentation that might be of historical importance to the city and historians.
So, there are experts who are assisting us in removing the water.
</blockquote>
Mafume said that the whole of Harare was built on a wetland, hence there is a constant need to pump out water. He said:
<blockquote>
Harare was built on its water sources and you find a lot of rivers originating from Harare, there is a river running under Julius Nyerere Way and we have Mukuvisi and other various rivers going to Mazowe and Mt Pleasant.
There is always a debate on the issue of building on wetlands. That is why we recycle the water from Lake Chivero because it comes and flows from Harare.
</blockquote>
The Town House was built in 1933 and has served as the headquarters for the city council ever since.
Before independence, it housed the Salisbury City Council, and in 1980, it became the Harare City Council’s central office.
Critics view the flooding of the basement of Harare Town House as evidence of neglect by the local authority in maintaining the city’s administrative building.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Floods At Harare Town House Destroy Historical Documents

On Sunday, Harare’s mayor, His Worship Councillor Jacob Mafume, expressed concern that several buildings in the capital were hazardous and at risk of closure due to their dilapidated condition.
Following his visit to a building that collapsed on Chinhoyi Street in the central business district on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, Mafume spoke to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200025376/hre-buildings-death-traps-mafume">NewsDay</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We are sorry for the tragedy. I am very sad about what happened. It is very unfortunate, we issued a notice just a few weeks ago about the state of buildings in the capital.
We will inspect them with a view to close those that do not meet standards and give a timeline to revamp the buildings so that in future we do not record such tragedies.
</blockquote>
On Sunday, 07 April, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victim, identified as Yolanda Hodzi, an adult female from Maridale, Norton, was positively identified by her next of kin.
He also said three vehicles parked in front of the building sustained damage.
The damaged vehicles are: a Mazda 323, registration number, AAW 5934; a Toyota Probox, registration number, AGE 8052; a Toyota Spade, registration number, AGN 6805.
Meanwhile, last week, the City of Harare issued a 14-day ultimatum to all property owners and occupants of buildings in the CBD, requiring them “to renew or regenerate their buildings and/or properties either through repairs, refurbishments and/or repainting.”
In a public notice, Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango emphasized that the council will take decisive action against those who disregard this directive.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor "Sorry" Over Fatal CBD Building Collapse

The Harare City Council (HCC) says it is owed a staggering $1.5 trillion by ratepayers which has compromised its ability to provide essential services like water, garbage collection and sanitation.
The local authority’s inability to collect revenue has been attributed to a dysfunctional revenue collection system.
As a result, the Council is struggling to maintain infrastructure, pay workers and invest in critical services.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/harare-city-council-owed-15-trillion">The Sunday Mail</a>, Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango said:
<blockquote>
While focusing on service delivery, there is concern about the box of revenues.
All ratepayers owed the city $783.2 billion and the figure has increased to $1.5 trillion as of February 29, 2024.
While the Zimbabwe dollar figure is increasing, the value of the debt continues to go down due to the movement of the exchange rate.
The December 2023 debt had a value of US$132.95 million, while in February it had reduced to US$101.28 million.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Harare residents say the Council’s billing is fictitious since it is based on estimates and non-existent services.
Tinashe Mangachena, a resident of Budiriro high-density suburb, said that the council had failed to provide basic services. He said:
<blockquote>
The way they charge the monthly bill isn’t even normal. For example, the city doesn’t even supply us with water, but their bills have massive charges for water provision.
Sometimes their bills are based on very unreasonable estimates, and as a resident, I will not pay until they deliver proper services.
</blockquote>
Most local authorities in Zimbabwe are failing to provide essential services to ratepayers and this is not only due to their failure to collect revenue primarily in the form of rates, fees, and charges from residents and businesses.
Top officials within local authorities have been implicated in the embezzlement of funds, and there is also political interference in revenue collection processes and misuse or misappropriation of funds.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ratepayers Owe Harare City Council $1.5 Trillion

Harare City Council (HCC) officials are allegedly withholding ZWL$2.6 billion disbursed in 2023 by the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) for road maintenance. 
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200024614/harare-stashing-zwl26b-zinara-funds">NewsDay</a>, HCC’s delayed utilisation of ZINARA funds came to light when Furbank Trading, a local company contracted to supply traffic lights, requested a contract variation due to non-payment for goods supplied on January 12. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
We were awarded the above-quoted purchase order number, the value was ZWL$1 346 926 000 … from January 12 to date we have sought two justifiable variations necessitated by the loss of value of the local currency, the latest variation was totally avoidable as we supplied the traffic signal heads, but you have not processed payment.
</blockquote>
NewsDay reported sources as saying the chief roads engineer, Gerald Mutume, a permanent South African resident of sleeping on the job. Said a source:
<blockquote>
He has been taking his time to sign papers and while he does that money dispatched by ZINARA loses value because of inflationary pressures.
He did the same last year, withholding money meant to buy aggregates and only gave a go-ahead after the value had been eroded and we bought half of what we should have bought had he acted swiftly.
</blockquote>
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said he had been briefed on the matter when contacted for comment. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We received a couple of billions from ZINARA and because it’s in local currency the expectation is that our officials act quickly by making payment.
I have asked the treasury and they tell me that they can’t pay our suppliers until they get the green light from the user who is the roads engineer and director of works.
</blockquote>
However, Mutume passed the buck to Mafume saying, “How do I get involved in the processing of payments? Go and ask the treasurer and the mayor, they are the ones who are involved at that level, not me.”
ZINARA chief executive, Nkosi Ncube said they have always had problems with local authorities over the utilisation of disbursed funds. Ncube said:
<blockquote>
We did disburse a substantial amount of money to Harare City Council last year and we encourage councils to use the money they are given wisely and responsibly.
We can’t dispatch money so that it sits in the accounts of local authorities.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) has been in free fall since its re-introduction in 2019. Initially, Zimbabweans used a mix of foreign currencies, including the US dollar, euro, and South African rand. 
However, on June 24, 2019, the Zimbabwean government banned the use of foreign currencies in local transactions, leading to increased reliance on the re-introduced ZWL, initially known as the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic IN 2020, the Government of Zimbabwe implemented a policy allowing the use of foreign currency for transactions. This decision aimed to mitigate economic challenges during the crisis.
Since then, the usage of the United States dollar has increased significantly. Currently, over 80 per cent of local transactions are conducted in USD.
Those who receive Zimbabwe dollars are eager to dispose of them promptly to avoid losing value.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Harare Council Sitting On ZWL$2.6 Billion ZINARA Funds"

Harare Mayor, His Worship, Cllr Jacob Mafume, has responded to allegations of police brutality involving municipal officers.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows a group of men in civilian attire assaulting a vendor. Mayor Mafume has ordered an investigation into the matter.
In a press statement, Mayor Mafume emphasized the importance of upholding human rights in policing. He stated:
<blockquote>
We are the primary police force in our city, and we interact most closely with the public. Our methods must align with human rights principles.
</blockquote>
To address this, the mayor announced plans to introduce human rights courses for officers.
Furthermore, Mafume acknowledged the need for harmony between municipal officers and vendors.
He emphasized that the institution’s image must be protected, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if the perpetrators are indeed city employees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Orders Probe Into Vendor Assault

The Harare City Council has conceded that the removal of street vendors has been a failure.
The Government recently ordered the local authority to remove vendors from the streets in the Central Business District to curb the spread of cholera which has since been detected in almost all districts in the country.
On Wednesday, several senior Government officials met with the media to give an update on the state of water, sanitation, hygiene and current cholera outbreak control in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the meeting, City of Harare health services department director Dr Prosper Chonzi said (<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/we-have-failed-to-remove-vendors-harare-city-council/">via Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
An order was made for us to remove all the food vendors in Harare to ensure that our streets are clean. But as you have seen we haven’t done very well there.
The general economy is playing against us. We have been playing hide and seek after vendors and it isn’t working.
We are glad now that the Government has come up with Chenesa Harare, and if we clean up for now then we come up with medium and long-term plans to maintain the clean environment that’s there.
As the Director of Health in the City, I’m not happy with the vending situation in the city, it’s plain against what we are trying to achieve and contain the outbreak. And trying to enforce not giving us the intended results.
</blockquote>
Chonzi said there must be a change of mindset and residents should know that they risk contracting diseases by buying food from uninspected places.
As of 24 January 2024, Zimbabwe had 20 446 suspected Cholera cases, 2 324 confirmed cases, 19 711 recoveries, 71 confirmed deaths and 381 suspected deaths.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council Concedes Failure To Remove Street Vendors

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has said the State should take over the municipal administration of Harare following the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) dominated council’s failure to perform its duties.
The Harare City Council is struggling to collect garbage and to provide clean water to residents, amid a cholera outbreak in the city which has killed scores.
As a result, the central government had to step in and collect garbage, clean city environments, and drill boreholes to provide supplementary water to residents.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Charamba said infighting within CCC has paralysed the local authority, therefore, the State should step in. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
With the paralysis which CCC infighting has wrought on the City of Harare, and given the raging cholera pandemic, it is about time (the) Local Government Minister approached His Excellency the President with the proposal to use Presidential Powers to bring Harare Municipality under direct State administration.
There is a good case now using the public health argument. The State is doing much of the work anyway!
</blockquote>
CCC’s disputed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu has recalled Harare city mayor Ian Makone, his successor Lovejoy Chitengu, and several other councillors, claiming that they have ceased to be members of the party.
Reports indicate that Jacob Mafume, who took over from Chitengu, was recalled by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Tshabangu is, however, resisting Mafume’s recall, and the matter awaits determination by either the courts or the central government.
In previous cases, the court and the central government have consistently sided with Tshabangu.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Calls For State Takeover Of Harare Municipal Administration

The City of Harare has warned residents against buying land in Strathaven off Westminister Road saying land barons are illegally parcelling out stands in the area.
In a statement, signed by the Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango, the local authority said residents should not buy stands from land barons as they will lose their hard-earned money. Said Chisango:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that some land barons are illegally selling land to unsuspecting residents in Strathaven off Westminister Road.
Residents are therefore advised against dealing with the land barons as they risk losing money.
The City will immediately move in and enforce the law to stop the illegal sale of stands in the area.
For more information and clarity please contact the Town Clerk’s office or the City Housing Department.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, 10 January, the Chief Director of Spatial Planning and Development in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Shingirayi Mushamba, urged Zimbabweans to exercise patience and desist from acquiring land from land barons.
Mushamba said that the Government has earmarked land for housing stands in all the country’s 10 provinces.
The illegal activities of land barons have resulted in the mushrooming of shanty settlements across the country and the construction of homes on wetlands and riverbanks in urban areas.
From time to time, local authorities, especially the City of Harare, demolish structures built on land acquired illegally leaving residents, who would have spent their life savings on buying the land and building houses, in the open and at the mercy of weather elements.
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Harare City Council Warns Residents Against Land Barons In Strathaven

The Harare City Council plans to craft a Private Member’s Bill for the criminalisation of land and space barons allegedly involved in parcelling out land on wetlands and river courses to desperate home seekers.
Private bills are proposed laws that seek special powers or exemptions for a particular person or group. They are sometimes called private legislation.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume (CCC) told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021584/council-by-laws-to-criminalise-land-barons">NewsDay</a> that the local authority will push for legislation that defines land and space barons as criminal offences. He said:
<blockquote>
All those who are being threatened and extorted must report to the council, district officers and the police.
We will not tolerate the issue of land and space barons and accordingly, we will be drafting a private members Bill to clearly define land and space barons as criminal offences.
</blockquote>
Mafume’s remarks come after dozens of families in Budiriro and Kuwadzana suburbs were forced out of their homes by floods follwing torrential rains around Christmas.
On Sunday, resident associations condemned the continued parcelling out of land on wetlands by land barons, especially in Harare.
Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director, Precious Shumba, said corrupt council and government officials were working together with land barons to allocate people residential stands on the wetlands. He said:
<blockquote>
If you visit and interview some of the victims, they reveal that identified council officials have misled the City of Harare by collecting money from the land barons and promising the desperate home seekers that nothing will happen to them.
The government should come hard on these land barons as the victims have lost their savings through corruption.
</blockquote>
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) director Reuben Akili said:
<blockquote>
As long as we do not address these needs, we are not accomplishing anything.
This is the third time people in Budiriro have been hard hit by floods and we would have loved a situation where they are allocated land suitable for housing.
</blockquote>
Land barons, most of whom are linked to ZANU PF, have been illegally selling council and State land to home seekers over the years.
Last week, ZANU PF distanced itself from land barons illegally parcelling out land in different parts of the country using its name and demanded that law enforcement agencies ensure that the law takes its course.
In a statement, ZANU PF acting secretary-general Patrick Chinamasa said that the ruling party did not condone the unlawful land occupations and illegal activities of land barons.
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Land And Space Barons Should Be Criminalised - Mafume

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said the Harare City Council ignored an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in allocating residential stands to Budiriro 5 CABS area homeowners whose houses have been inundated by floodwaters.
A Budiriro resident, Catherine Mugore, told <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/?p=18831">ZBC News</a> that an EIA conducted by EMA marked coordinates for the area, which showed the dangers of allocating residential on a river course. She said:
<blockquote>
All these houses which you see submerged in water were condemned by EMA a long time ago.
EMA noted that all the stands they red-flagged out of their coordinates were not supposed to be used or inhabited.
</blockquote>
EMA Principal Officer Liberty Mugadza told ZBC News that they gave the City of Harare a map of the area indicating where houses should not be built. Said Mugadza:
<blockquote>
An Environmental Impact Assessment must be done before any construction takes place but for the situation on the ground that was not done and efforts to ratify after the council had allocated land were then done when the council approached EMA.
An ecological assessment was done and demarcations were put where it’s possible to build and where it cannot be done.
All this information was given to the planning department at the local authority.
Now what is coming to our surprise is the time taken to effect the necessary changes.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association chairperson, Takesure Musiiwa said the local authority claims residents settled on the land illegally but the homeowners have proof of payment to the council. He said:
<blockquote>
The situation I am seeing here in Budiriro is vice versa. Instead of the council approaching EMA, they are inviting EMA to look into the current problems.
The council claims the affected people illegally acquired the stands, but if you go to the residents, they have proof of payment to the council. So, it gives a discord to what is happening.
</blockquote>
Fifty-one Budiriro 5B Extension residents have been moved to a temporary evacuation centre after their houses were submerged by water from the adjacent Marimba River when it broke its banks, a senior government official was reported as saying.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works communication and advocacy director Gabriel Masvora said that a minor aged six years was swept away in the Marimba River. Her body was later retrieved.
Masvora said the rains had damaged property valued at nearly US$189 000 in Budiriro and Kuwadzana Paddocks.
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Budiriro Floods: Council Ignored Warning And Pegged Stands On River Course - EMA

Former Harare City Deputy Mayor, Kudzai Kadzombe, said she witnessed Harare municipal police officers “robbing vendors” along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight. She expressed her disappointment and managed to report the incident to their superiors. Kadzai Kadzombe, who was recently removed from her position in the council said:
<blockquote>
 Potato &amp; butternut heist, I was so disappointed to witness 1st hand, Hre municipal police officers robbing vendors along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight, with so many witnesses around, load the goods &amp; then sped away. I took the reg# &amp;reported it to their superiors
</blockquote>
This revelation sparked various responses, with some people stating that such incidents are common, particularly in the central business district.
Some individuals claimed that municipal police officers patrol certain areas and impose taxes on vendors, collecting US$5 every three days. Kadzombe, however, believes that not all officers are corrupt and that many dedicated municipal officers love their job and uphold principles. She acknowledged that a few bad officers tarnished the reputation of the entire force.
Others criticised Kadzombe, suggesting that she may be unfamiliar with the Harare Municipal Police’s modus operandi and urged her to familiarise herself with the by-laws and the efforts being made to restore order in the city. They questioned her lack of knowledge about the responsibilities of her own workers in cleaning up the city. Kadzombe responded, asserting that although she understands the role of municipal police as an enforcement arm of the council, she was specifically referring to thieves disguised as officers. She stood by her statement and expressed her disappointment in witnessing such acts.
Many comments highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption within Harare’s municipal police and other departments, such as city parking, licensing, and billing.
The incident witnessed by Kadzombe was seen as a reflection of the daily struggles faced by many vendors and the demands for bribes from the municipal police. Some suggested that the person involved may have been new to the area, hence the confiscation of goods, while others said that vendors often pay “rent” to operate. Critics described City Parking, a company contracted by the local government authority to collect parking revenue, and the municipal police officers as “terrorists” who are not pro-people. They demanded that measures be taken to address this issue.
There were calls for Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, to be made aware of the situation and for action to be taken against the corrupt officers. Suggestions were made to pay municipal police officers better and provide them with the necessary resources to do their job effectively. Some believed that this would help alleviate the problem of corruption.
Critics accused Kadzombe of raising the issue for political gain, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people. They argued that such incidents have been happening for a long time, but the local government authority has failed to take action. Kadzombe defended herself, stating that speaking the truth should not be seen as a popularity stunt. She expressed her willingness to address the issue and emphasized that just because such incidents are not new does not mean they should be tolerated.
Some individuals justified HMP’s operations arguing that vendors also engage in illegal activities, evading taxes and robbing the city of revenue. According to some commentators, “It is common for the police to confiscate goods when they catch someone committing a crime.” They claim that the police take everything that could be used as evidence. Others mentioned that vendors are not allowed to operate in certain areas, and some of them do not have the necessary medical certificates, which are required for selling food.
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