Harare City Council executives receive large salaries and expensive holiday benefits, amounting to millions per year, reported <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/executives-gobble-us500-000-as-residents-yearn-for-proper-service-delivery/">ZBC News</a>.
This comes at a time when the city is struggling to provide basic services to its residents, such as uncollected garbage, sewage problems, broken traffic lights, and unsafe drinking water.
During his testimony before the Commission of Inquiry, led by Retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda on Tuesday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume revealed that he was unaware of the large amounts being paid to the council executives. He said:
<blockquote>
It is an anomaly. I have not been able to access the salary roll for the executives. The only time I saw it was when the acting human resources director came to my office and presented the document and he said that he had been instructed by the town clerk not to leave it with me.
I just managed a glimpse of the document and saw that the town clerk earned as much as US$27 000 per month, and the figure goes to around US$13 000 per month as the grade goes downwards. All in all it is costing us at least US$500 000 per month and that is unsustainable.
</blockquote>
During the hearing, Commission lead Thabani Mpofu asked Mafume to confirm that the large salaries for Harare City Council executives did not include any extra benefits. Mafume agreed and added that when other perks are included, the total pay could exceed US$30,000.
Justice Cheda then asked why Mafume seemed unable to control the executives’ high spending. Mafume explained that the executives often reminded him that he was not an executive mayor, so his power was limited.
Justice Cheda also asked about the relationship between the City Council executives and the councillors, to which Mafume said it was “not harmonious.”

Pindula News

Harare City Council leaders get lots of money and perks while residents have problems like garbage and bad water. The mayor didn't even know about how much they were getting paid. The council executives make too much money, up to $30,000 a month. The mayor can't control their spending because they say he doesn't have much power. The relationship between the executives and the councillors is not good. Residents are suffering while the council leaders are living lavishly.

Harare Council Executives Gobble US$500 000 As Residents Face Garbage Piles And Water Woes

Harare City Council officials have been accused of misusing over US$1 million raised by City Parking, a private company responsible for managing parking in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD), reported <a href="https://opencouncil.co.zw/harare-commission-of-inquiry-concludes-with-us1m-bombshell/">Open Council</a>.
While testifying before the Harare Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, Mayor Jacob Mafume revealed that Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango and other council executives purchased the latest vehicles for themselves under questionable circumstances.
The management took advantage of the brief period when the Council was dissolved pending elections, swiftly acquiring the vehicles without proper justification. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
Last year City Parking brought to the City Council about a million.
When we started asking where that US$1 million went that is where the problem began.
I am told that the US$1 million was used to purchase executive cars or Fortuners and so forth.
</blockquote>
Thabani Mpofu, the evidence leader for the Commission, also revealed that Harare City Council executives collectively spend up to US$125,000 annually on holidays.
According to Mpofu, the Town Clerk is entitled to one international trip per year, while other executives are allowed regional travel. In addition, executives like the Assistant to the Town Clerk, Matthew Marara, receive US$9,000 annually for local holidays, which are broken down into three holidays of US$3,000 each.
Executives are also given US$6,000 for regional holidays. During the 30 months he was suspended, Marara allegedly received a total of US$27,000 in holiday allowances.
Furthermore, all Grade Two employees, mostly directors, are entitled to over US$3,000 for newspaper allowances.
They are also given fuel allowance which is around 450 per month. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
I am actually shocked at the figures and the information.
They come at a time when we, as Councillors, are being asked and everybody is being asked to tighten their belts. Others are loosening.
</blockquote>
The Harare Commission of Inquiry concluded the investigation on Tuesday. With all necessary information collected, the Maphios Cheda-led Commission will now begin compiling its report.
The final document, along with its recommendations, will be submitted to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Harare City Council officials used $1 million from City Parking for luxury cars and holidays. Mayor Mafume revealed Town Clerk and executives bought expensive vehicles without good reasons. They also spend $125,000 yearly on vacations. Town Clerk gets international trips, others get regional travel. Executives like Marara get $9,000 for local holidays and $6,000 for regional trips. Grade Two employees get newspaper and fuel allowances. The investigation by the Harare Commission of Inquiry is done, and a report with recommendations will be given to the President.

Harare City Council Officials Spent US$1 Million On Luxury Vehicles

Opposition activist Linda Masarira has proposed that the controversial Belvedere property, owned by Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, be repurposed into a drug rehabilitation centre.
Masarira, leader of the LEAD political party, wrote this week to retired Justice Maphios Cheda, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into Harare Urban Planning and Governance, presenting her case.
She suggested that, instead of demolishing the property, Mafume’s hostel should be converted into a rehabilitation facility, given the scarcity of such centres in Zimbabwe. Said Masarira:
<blockquote>
I write to you as a concerned citizen and advocate for social justice, urging the commission to consider an alternative resolution regarding Mayor Jacob Mafume’s unauthorised hostel in Belvedere.
While I acknowledge the importance of upholding urban planning regulations, I propose that, rather than demolishing the structure, it be repurposed into a government-supported drug rehabilitation centre to address the growing substance abuse crisis in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is currently facing a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
Unfortunately, there are very few rehabilitation centres available, and the existing ones are largely inaccessible to low-income individuals.
</blockquote>
She suggested that instead of demolishing an existing structure, repurposing it as a rehabilitation centre could offer a cost-effective and socially beneficial solution. Wrote Masarira:
<blockquote>
This initiative would align with Zimbabwe’s National Drug Master Plan and international best practices that prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures.
I respectfully urge the commission to assess the feasibility of this proposal before proceeding with demolition.
</blockquote>
Mafume converted his residential home in Belvedere into a hostel without the proper authorisation. He failed to apply for a “change of use” permit, thereby bypassing council regulations for his commercial venture.
City of Harare inspector David Wadarwa recently testified before the Commission that he would recommend the demolition of the unauthorised renovations on Mafume’s property. He said:
<blockquote>
I will advise the owner of the property to demolish the alterations made to his property and revert to the original approved plan. I will write a letter to my seniors informing them about this.
</blockquote>

Opposition activist Linda Masarira wants Mayor Jacob Mafume's building to be a drug rehab center instead of demolished. She wrote to the Commission of Inquiry to suggest this. There are few rehab centers in Zimbabwe, especially for poor people. Masarira thinks changing the building is a better idea than destroying it. The city inspector wants the changes on Mafume's property to be torn down. Masarira hopes her proposal will be considered to help with the drug problem in Zimbabwe.

Masarira Proposes Turning Mafume's Belvedere Property Into Drug Rehab Centre

Harare City Mayor Jacob Mafume testified before the Commission of Inquiry into governance issues at Harare City Council, revealing that some councillors and council executives are conspiring to block the purchase of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
An ERP system is software designed to manage and integrate the core business processes of an organisation. These processes include finance, human resources, supply chain, manufacturing, services, procurement, and others.
The City of Harare has been operating without an ERP system for the past six years. ERP systems provide a centralised platform where data from various departments can be accessed and shared, allowing for improved coordination, efficiency, and decision-making.
During his appearance before the Commission, Mafume said the absence of an ERP system has led to widespread theft within the council. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
I cannot provide exact figures because management has ensured that no audits have been conducted at the council since 2019.
However, we have anecdotal evidence. Millions are paid out in duplicate payments, and some ratepayers’ fees are being waived.
We estimate losses of around US$10 million per year. The City Council has been haemorrhaging funds.
</blockquote>
Harare City Council has not been able to audit its accounts for over five years, raising serious concerns about corporate governance at Town House.
Mafume further revealed that top officials at the council have formed a corruption cartel, profiting from the ongoing disarray. He claimed:
<blockquote>
The Harare City Council Executive has obstructed my efforts to implement a functional ERP system.
I have made every effort to get the ERP system installed. Instead, I’ve been accused of interference.
But I’ve done everything humanly possible to make it happen. We cannot function properly without an ERP system.
This is a deliberate act by our procurement department and management. They do not want the ERP system implemented.
</blockquote>
This story was contributed by Munashe Chokodza

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said some councillors and executives are stopping the city from getting a system to help manage its money. The system would save them money and stop theft. The city has lost $10 million each year because of this. The mayor tried to get the system, but other people stopped him. They haven't checked their accounts for more than five years, which is very worrying. Top officials are making money from this chaos. The mayor is trying his best to fix the problem, but others are not cooperating. This is a big problem for the city.

Harare Loses US$10 Million Annually Due To Leakages, Says Mayor

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, has apologised to residents for the poor services provided by the city council.
He also admitted to giving himself mayoral perks, like a house and vehicles, at the city’s expense, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mafume-apologises-to-harare-residents/">The Herald.</a>
Mafume made the apology after being questioned by the Commission led by retired Justice Maphios Cheda about why he continued to receive large benefits, even though the city was struggling financially.
It was revealed that Mafume received a house on Drummond Chaplin Road in Milton Park as part of his mayoral perks and was even pushing for more.
While giving his testimony, the mayor defended his actions, saying the perks were allowed by law and were part of his position, though they were funded by ratepayers. He said:
<blockquote>
As per practice, a mayor is entitled to certain perks, and because the mayoral mansion is occupied, they had to look for alternative accommodation for me.
</blockquote>
Retired Justice Cheda pointed out a circular from September 26, 2024, which cancelled several perks, including the mayor’s entitlement to accommodation.
Justice Cheda argued that a ceremonial mayor like Mafume should not receive large perks, such as a house and a vehicle.
Mafume argued that the circular could be interpreted in different ways. However, he later admitted that the perks were against the latest government directive. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
I am sorry that there is poor service delivery in the city. I would like to see things changing for ratepayers. I am sorry for the state that the city is in. I am prepared to start on a clean slate.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, Clr Mafume took the commission to the wrong home address in Greendale, claiming it was an honest error. He said:
<blockquote>
As a public servant, I have always prioritized openness and accountability. The address mix-up was an honest mistake, and I fully recognize the importance of accuracy in these matters.
I have nothing to hide. I welcome any official verification processes and will continue to serve the people of Harare with integrity and honesty. My record is clear, and my focus remains on the well-being of our community.
</blockquote>

The Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, said sorry to residents for bad services. He admitted to getting perks like a house and cars, paid by the city, even though it was struggling. A commission found he shouldn't get these benefits. Mafume said sorry for the city's state and promised to start fresh. He made a mistake with his address but said he is honest and accountable. He will keep serving the people of Harare with honesty and integrity.

Harare Mayor Apologises For Awarding Himself Unlawful Perks And Benefits

Harare’s mayor, Jacob Mafume, has said that over US$4.5 million disappeared from the city council through one of its companies, Harare Quarry, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/us4-5-million-mysteriously-disappeared-from-harare-city-council-mayor-mafume-tells-commission-of-inquiry/">NewZimbabwe</a>.
Mafume claimed that in 2018, the council gave Harare Quarry US$4.5 million to help restart its operations, but the money was spent without any clear record of where it went.
During a hearing with the Harare Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Judge Maphios Cheda, on Thursday Mafume openly stated, “The money was stolen.”
When asked who was responsible for the theft and what steps were taken to investigate, Mafume responded:
<blockquote>
The management of Quarry. We resolved to get the Police involved. What we did is, we instituted, what was done before we were elected as Councillors. This was done by the previous Council and the previous management.
We were elected in 2018. The money was stolen, I am trying to think when the loan was advanced. I am not too sure.
</blockquote>
Harare Quarry, a company owned by the City Council, has not been paying money back to the Council, even though its property is being rented out to private businesses.
Mafume admitted that Harare Quarry has been a financial problem for the City Council, needing regular financial help to stay afloat. He said:
<blockquote>
I am very passionate about that US$4 million because that US$4 million is the one that has caused us to have differences with the management that was there. I have pursued it in different Council meetings. I have taken the actions within my power.
As of current, because the properties are being constantly attached, I have suggested that the entity be put under management or what we used to call liquidation.
For the past three weeks, as Council we have had to pay amounts that are owed by the Quarry.
</blockquote>
Warren Chiwawa, the City of Harare’s chamber secretary, said the case has been reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
He also claimed that the US$4.5 million went missing when Antonia Zvoutete, who is now the Marondera Chamber Secretary, was the General Manager of Harare Quarry.
According to the Municipality of Marondera, Zvoutete has a background in law and served in the Zimbabwe National Army from 2005 to 2008.
She later worked at the City of Harare in several legal roles, including Senior Legal Officer, Principal Legal Officer, and Chief Legal Officer.
She holds a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe, a diploma in Peace and Governance from Africa University, and a degree in Theology from the Zimbabwe Open University.

The mayor of Harare said $4.5 million disappeared from the city council's company, Harare Quarry. The money was given to restart operations but was spent with no clear record. The mayor thinks the money was stolen. The company is not paying back money, causing financial problems for the council. The case has been reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission. The money disappeared when a former manager, now working in Marondera, was in charge. She has a legal background and military experience. The council is trying to manage the situation and pay back what is owed.

US$4.5 Million Disappears Without A Trace In Harare Quarry Scandal

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume could be facing trouble with the Harare Commission of Inquiry after allegedly lying under oath.
Mafume had claimed to reside at 110 Coronation Road, Greendale suburb. However, when the Commission, led by Justice Maphios Cheda, temporarily adjourned Mafume’s testimony on Wednesday for an onsite inspection, they discovered the address was a vehicle auction site, not a residential area as he had stated.
Despite his claims that it was an innocent mistake and that his actual house was only two blocks away from the given address, the Commission rejected this explanation.
They insisted on proceeding with the inspection in loco after determining that Mafume had lied under oath.
When confronted about the discrepancy, Mafume tried to explain, but Judge Cheda instructed him to provide a formal explanation at a later time.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume might be in trouble for lying. He said he lives at a certain address, but it was actually a car place, not a home. The Commission found out and didn't believe his excuse. They want to inspect the area and he has to explain why he said that address. Mafume will have to give a proper explanation later. It is not good to lie under oath, and he might face consequences for what he did.

Harare Mayor "Forgets" Home Address Before Commission Of Inquiry

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said that he intervened to address concerns after council nurses threatened to strike over various welfare issues.
Mafume said this before the Harare Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Justice Maphios Cheda, which is investigating the operations of the Harare City Council since 2017.
In response to a question from Commission evidence leader Tapiwa Godzi about his involvement in collective bargaining meetings, Mafume said it was his responsibility to ensure that council operations continued smoothly, adding that the nurses had threatened to down tools. He said (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200037860/ive-to-persuade-nurses-not-to-down-tools-mayor">NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
We have 800 nurses and if I am unable to persuade them not to go on a go slow; we have got cholera, diarrhoea, and the rains are coming. I have to participate to persuade them not to go on strike.
</blockquote>
Mafume said he attended the Municipal Medical Aid Association meetings after getting word that the scheme was being abused. He said:
<blockquote>
We workers are not being paid, the medical aid is being rejected at hospitals.
Properties are being bought and their title deeds are not given to the council. Money is being paid twice. My workers are not getting treatment. And I went to ask what was happening with the medical aid.
I did attend because US$1 million had been stolen.
</blockquote>
Mafume said the City of Harare employs close to 9,000 employees and has a monthly salary bill of about US$2 million. He added:
<blockquote>
The moment we stop and we are unable to have harmonious labour relations with the employees, the trade unions, then all the functions of the council will grind to a halt.
</blockquote>

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume convinced nurses not to strike because he didn't want people to get sick. He attended meetings to help workers get paid and get medical treatment. He said the council employs 9,000 people and it would be bad if they stopped working. The council has a monthly salary bill of US$2 million. Mafume wants to make sure everyone is happy so the council can keep working well. He wants to prevent any problems that could stop the council from functioning properly.

Mafume: I Had To Convince Nurses Not To Strike

By Munashe Chokodza
Harare City Council’s executive assistant, Matthew Marara, testified on Tuesday before the commission of inquiry into governance issues at Harare City Council, revealing that he received US$8,000 for gadgets during his suspension.
Marara was suspended from the council in 2020 and returned to Town House in May 2023, in defiance of the Ministry of Local Government’s directive that all council officials with court cases must not report for duty.
Testifying before the commission, Marara stated that Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume appointed a committee that approved the money he received.
The money included an astonishing US$3,256 for newspaper subscriptions, US$3,700 for a laptop, US$2,550 for a cell phone, and US$1,920 for an iPad, among other benefits.
The inflated prices for Marara’s benefits raise concerns of corruption and mismanagement at the Harare City Council. Said Marara:
<blockquote>
There were dues I was supposed to be given. By the time I was not at work, I was supposed to get these newspapers when I was at work, so I am used to reading newspapers, so I continued buying newspapers on
</blockquote>
Marara’s controversial compensation package comes at a time when the City of Harare is grappling with a severe lack of funds, which is hampering its ability to provide basic services to residents.

Matthew Marara, who works for Harare City Council, got $8,000 for gadgets while he was suspended. He got the money in 2020 for things like newspaper subscriptions, a laptop, a cell phone, and an iPad. The prices for these gadgets were very high. This has raised concerns about corruption at the council. Marara said Mayor Jacob Mafume's committee approved the money. This happened when the council was facing a lack of funds to provide services to residents. Marara's actions have been questioned by a commission looking into how the council is run.

Marara Received US$8k From Harare Council To Buy Electronic Gadgets During His Suspension

Former Harare City Council acting human capital director Matthew Marara reportedly received over US$350,000 in compensation for the period he was suspended without pay on corruption charges. However, Marara asserted that the figure was US$131,000.
<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/harare-city-boss-paid-us350-000-back-pay/">The Herald</a> reported that on Wednesday, Marara appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into Harare City Council’s affairs, chaired by retired Justice Maphios Cheda.
He was called to address allegations that he had resigned and then rescinded his resignation to claim a large amount of back pay, or at least take advantage of the missing letter of resignation.
Marara was questioned about his alleged resignation in 2020 and return to the council in 2023. Evidence presented before the commission suggested that Marara resigned after his suspension but backtracked in 2023, claiming he had never resigned and was still a council employee.
It is alleged that he took advantage of the missing resignation letter to maintain his assertion of unbroken service.
Thabani Mpofu, who is leading evidence from witnesses appearing before the commission, said the information obtained showed Marara received US$350,000.
However, Marara denied the claims that he had resigned, saying the council agreed to pay him US$131,000, not US$350,000, with US$116,000 already paid out for the 30 months he was absent.
These revelations come as Harare City Council struggles to provide basic services to ratepayers, such as running tap water and refuse collection.
Council officials are accused of awarding themselves hefty salaries and perks at the expense of service delivery.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Harare City Council official, Matthew Marara, received over $350,000 in back pay while suspended on corruption charges. He claims it was only $131,000. Marara was questioned about resigning in 2020 and returning in 2023. Evidence suggests he used a missing resignation letter to claim uninterrupted service. The council, struggling to provide essential services, is under scrutiny for lavish salaries. Marara denied resigning and said he was only paid $131,000, not $350,000. This controversy highlights issues of corruption and mismanagement in the City Council.

Harare City Council Official Paid US$350 000 Back Pay

A Harare City Council official has revealed that people exposing corruption at Town House are being threatened with death, while some have been poisoned.
Speaking before the Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2024 to investigate suspected financial mismanagement and corruption in Harare dating back to 2017, acting Human Capital Director Bosman Matengarufu claimed he had received death threats, survived an assassination attempt, and was poisoned as corrupt cartels sought to silence him.
Matengarufu also recounted an incident in 2020 when he was chased out of a workshop in Chinhoyi by an individual armed with a gun. He said (via <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/death-threats-rock-town-house/">Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
The City of Harare is a toxic environment. I was poisoned twice and it’s on record. I was chased away at a Chinhoyi workshop with a gun to deter me from exposing corruption in any way.
</blockquote>
When asked by Justice Maphios Cheda, the chairman of the Commission, about the reason for his poisoning, Matengarufu responded:
<blockquote>
I was demoted after Marara’s return from allegations of corruption. I was acting in his place during his absence due to corruption charges. After (Matthew) Marara returned, I was demoted, and that’s when the fight began.
</blockquote>
He said Marara created a fictitious position within the council and allocated himself a substantial sum of money, sparking controversy. Said Matengarufu:
<blockquote>
There are matters within the council you should never tamper with if you want to live. (These are) land, appointments, water, procurement.
</blockquote>
Matengarufu’s testimony appears to support speculation that one of the key council officials, who had threatened in a letter to the Local Government Ministry to expose rampant corruption at the local authority, was killed by the cartel.
The official, Funny Machipisa, who served as District Administration Manager, died under mysterious circumstances last year. His family believes his death was the result of foul play.
Before his death, Machipisa had voiced concerns about being pushed out of his position to silence him. In a letter dated July 9, 2024, he revealed that he was being targeted for opposing the councillors’ push to allocate residential stands in affluent areas rather than their respective wards.
Machipisa had warned that their plan to remove him was designed to prevent him from testifying before the ongoing Commission of Inquiry.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare City Council official exposed corruption and got threatened and poisoned. Bosman Matengarufu told a Commission about death threats and assassination attempts. He was demoted after pointing out corruption. Another official, Funny Machipisa, died mysteriously after speaking out against corruption. Some say he was killed by a corrupt group. The council is a dangerous place with corruption in things like land and appointments. Matengarufu's testimony supports rumors of corruption and threats at the council.

Harare Council Official Poisoned And Threatened With Death For Exposing Corruption

The Harare City Council reportedly collected only US$100 in licence fees from tuckshop owners in residential areas over six months.
This was said by Harare City Council’s acting revenue collection manager, Alfred Guni when he appeared before the Commission of Inquiry, which is probing the operations of Harare City Council since 2017, chaired by retired Justice Maphios Cheda.
He said from April to September 2024, the City Council recorded only US$100 from tuckshops located in residential areas.
The paltry revenue collected from tuckshops raises suspicions of massive corruption within the council, given that almost every street in high-density residential areas has several tuckshops. Said Guni:
<blockquote>
The revenue from tuckshops in residential areas is collected by our market officers, who go around to gather these funds.
If we collect as little as US$100, it indicates a failure on the part of those designated to collect the funds.
This level of performance is concerning, given the number of tuckshops around the city.
</blockquote>
Guni conceded that the City Council is grappling with revenue leakages due to corrupt officials. He said:
<blockquote>
I would not confirm that the City Council owns tuckshops but it licenses privately owned tuckshops but what it owns are commercial buildings that are available for rental to the public.
The City made a resolution to collect tuckshop fees from those we see in our residential areas as long as they are compliant with the building inspectorate laws.
That figure does not mean nothing came but it is a percentage of a huge figure. What it means is that we are getting very low income.
</blockquote>
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
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The Harare City Council only collected $100 in fees from tuckshop owners in residential areas in six months. This is a very small amount of money. The council suspects corruption because there are many tuckshops in the city, but they are not collecting enough money from them. The council's revenue manager said they have problems with corrupt officials causing money to be lost. They need to fix this problem to collect more money from tuckshops.

Shock As Harare Council Collects Only $100 In Tuckshop Licence Fees Over Six Months

Takudzwa Dzumbunu, chairperson for Works and Town Planning at Harare City Council, was on Tuesday fined US$300 or spend six months in prison for misleading the Commission of Inquiry about her academic qualifications.
The Commission, led by Retired High Court Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, reprimanded Dzumbunu after she retracted her claim of holding a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Public Administration.
Dzumbunu could not produce the degree, which she initially claimed was from the University of Zimbabwe when she appeared before the Commission in October.
Justice Cheda ordered Dzumbunu to provide the academic qualification as evidence.
During further questioning by lead investigator Thabani Mpofu, Dzumbunu, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor, admitted to lying about her qualifications. She said:
<blockquote>
I thought I was going to get the certificates but I had failed one course and did not graduate.
My apologies for misleading the Commission. I thought I was going to get the certificates but it wasn’t going to be possible.
I have no justification for behaving the way that I did. I thought it was going to be an easy process to acquire my certificate but I should have just said that I haven’t acquired it yet.
</blockquote>
In her previous appearance before the Commission, Dzumbunu was briefly detained at the old Makombe building after being found guilty of contempt.
The Commission of Inquiry has raised concerns about the qualifications and competence of some Harare City Council officials, revealing that several are underqualified for their positions.
Justice Cheda imposed a fine of U$300 on Dzumbunu for lying under oath. Said Cheda:
<blockquote>
You have made an undertaking that you will not in the future deliberately lie or mislead or misrepresent facts in the manner before this commission of inquiry. In addition, you have offered an apology for your bad conduct and behaviour before this Commission.
You are sentenced to pay a fine of 300 or six months imprisonment which is wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that during that period you do not contravene sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Commission of Inquiry Act.
</blockquote>
This follows revelations that many Harare City Council committee chairpersons lack basic qualifications or relevant experience and fail to comprehend the demands of their roles.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A lady named Takudzwa Dzumbunu in Harare lied about having a degree. She said she had a Bachelor of Science Honours degree but couldn't show it. She admitted she lied and got fined $300 or six months in prison. She said sorry for lying. The Commission of Inquiry found that many people in the City Council don't have the right qualifications for their jobs. They want everyone to be honest and do their jobs properly. Takudzwa got in trouble for lying and has to pay a fine.

Takudzwa Dzumbunu, A Harare Councillor, Fined US$300 For Lying She Has A Degree

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

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says the local authority has “nothing to hide” after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate governance issues at the city council.
Speaking at the Ordinary Council meeting at Town House on Tuesday, Mafume said the law provides for the establishment of such a commission in the interest of public welfare. He said (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/we-have-nothing-to-hide-says-mayor-mafume-after-mnangagwa-appoints-harare-commission-of-inquiry/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
We have nothing to hide, we are a public entity, we are a council of record and we are appointed by voters to enter public office, and this is exactly what public office means, it means that you can be enquired into your works by commissions, you can be enquired by parliamentary committees…
So the president deemed that the inquiry into the matters of Harare will be in the interest of public welfare.
</blockquote>
He also warned that non-cooperation with the Commission of Inquiry may result in criminal-related consequences. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
But we encourage that we be candid in our communications and open in our communications because there are consequences that come with not cooperating with commissions of this nature and some of the consequences can end up being criminal or labour-related.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa recently appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate the City of Harare’s management and council since 2017.
The Commission is chaired by retired judge Maphios Cheda and includes opposition politician Lucia Matibenga, who was appointed Minister of Public Service by the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai during the GNU era.
The other members of the commission are Steven Chakaipa, Norbert Phiri, and Khonzani Ncube.
In terms of Statutory Instrument 91 of 2024, also Proclamation 2 of 2024, the Inquiry shall be held for six (6) months from the date of gazetting, with an option of an extension of a further three (3) months.
The Commission’s terms of reference include investigating financial management systems and audit compliance with the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19] and other laws, investigating financial management of revenue generated through special vehicle companies and other outsourced arrangements, and probing the reasons behind the failure to operate an Enterprise Resource Planning system for Harare City Council and quantify any losses accruing as a result.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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