Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume endorsed a deal for Geo Pomona to take over waste collection, despite opposition from councillors.
The Ministry of Local Government approved Geo Pomona’s management of refuse collection in Harare, with Mafume supporting the agreement. As part of the deal, the company will also take on City Council workers.
However, council minutes from December 2024 show that the Harare City Council’s Environmental Management Committee rejected the proposed takeover. Reads the minutes:
<blockquote>
That Council affirms its previous decision recorded under Item 5 of the Minutes of this Committee dated 25th September 2024 that Council does not agree with the takeover of the waste management function including personnel, vehicles and equipment by Central Government but is open for dialogue with the relevant Ministry.
</blockquote>
Despite objections from councillors, Mayor Mafume went ahead with the deal, supported by Minister Daniel Garwe, who backed the agreement between the City Council and Geo Pomona Waste Management, led by Delish Nguwaya.
Council minutes show that councillors were shocked when the agreement was made public without a formal council resolution. Reads the minutes:
<blockquote>
Council now discussed the matter with a member reporting that residents were alleging that they had seen His Worship, the Mayor on social media signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Geo Pomona Waste Management (Pvt) Ltd (Geo Pomona) when Council did not have a resolution granting authority for the MOU.
</blockquote>
The decision to let Geo Pomona take over waste collection has been criticized by residents, who feel such deals are imposed on them without consultation. They worry these agreements could lead to corruption among top officials.
Initially, Mafume opposed giving Geo Pomona control over the city’s dumping sites but has since changed his position, agreeing to work with the company to clear the sites.
According to council minutes, when asked about the deal, Mafume said the government had declared waste management a national disaster.
He said that after the City of Harare requested help from the Ministry of Local Government, the government responded by involving the private sector, choosing Geo Pomona Waste Management to assist.
Mafume added that the deal involves the Ministry of Local Government, Geo Pomona, and the City of Harare, with no financial cost to the city.
Once the deal is fully operational, Geo Pomona will collect 650 tonnes of refuse daily, charging US$40 per tonne.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/harare-mayor-mafume-defied-council-to-endorse-controversial-multi-million-dollar-geo-pomona-deal/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Pindula News

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume approved a deal for Geo Pomona to collect waste in the city, even though council members disagreed. The Ministry of Local Government supported the agreement, which will also involve City Council workers. Despite objections, Mayor Mafume and Minister Daniel Garwe backed the deal. Residents are worried about corruption and lack of consultation in such agreements. Mafume says the government declared waste management a national disaster and chose Geo Pomona to help for free. Once fully operational, Geo Pomona will collect 650 tonnes of waste daily and charge $40 per tonne.

Harare Mayor Mafume Approved Geo Pomona Waste Deal Despite Councillors' Objections

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.”

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 Mayor Jacob Mafume was fined US$300 or given the option of serving 3 months in prison for lying under oath twice during his testimony before the Retired Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry into the governance of the Harare City Council.
Mafume was accused of giving false information about where he lived. First, he claimed he lived in Belvedere, but it was discovered that he was converting the property into a boarding house for students from the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), which violated city zoning and construction laws.
The Commission found that Mafume made large, unapproved changes to the property, turning it into a 60-room boarding facility instead of a private home as initially approved.
He also claimed to live in Greendale, providing an address on Coronation Road. However, when the Commission visited the address, they found it was actually a vehicle auction site owned by a person named Pfukwa. Mafume admitted that he had lied under oath. He said (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/thou-shalt-not-lie-mafume-escapes-with-a-suspended-sentence-after-lying-under-oath/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
Indeed that is what happened. It was an error on my part. I did not do that knowingly. I had recently moved into the premises. The Commission must note that the street is the same. The area is in Greendale. My error was in the number.
</blockquote>
Retired Justice Cheda applied Section 13 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, sentencing Mafume to a fine of US$300 or three months in prison.
However, the sentence was suspended, meaning Mafume will avoid the penalty if he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. Said Cheda:
<blockquote>
You have been found guilty of contravening Section 13 of the Commission of Inquiry Act. You gave evidence which you knew was false. In assessing a suitable take into account what you have submitted in mitigation.
Jacob Mafume, you are sentenced to pay a fine of US$300 or three months in prison which is wholly suspended for five years on condition that during that period you are not convicted of contravening section 13 or 14 of the Act.
</blockquote>

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, got in trouble for lying under oath to a Commission about where he lived. He first said he lived in Belvedere but was running a boarding house for students there, breaking the rules. Then he said he lived in Greendale, but it was really a car auction site. He got fined $300 or jail time but the sentence was suspended if he behaves for 5 years. He admitted his mistake and won't do it again.

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, Fined US$300 For Lying Under Oath

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

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said that informal settlements sprouting around Lake Chivero, the city’s main source of water, have exacerbated the pollution of this crucial water source.
During a press briefing on Tuesday to update journalists on the contamination of Lake Chivero, Mafume said that there is an urgent need to either halt or regulate the informal settlements.
Mafume also pointed out that the city council is relying on obsolete infrastructure that was originally built for a much smaller population. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We have sewer works but they are not at full capacity because they were designed many years ago and cannot deal with the effluent and the quantities that go there and the natural growth of the city.
There are informal settlements that have been formed in and around Lake Chivero that then create a situation where there are too much pollution. We are also concerned about the pollution.
</blockquote>
Mafume revealed that experts, city officials, government officials, and other stakeholders will soon be visiting the lake to assess the situation.
The City of Harare has been blamed for contaminating Lake Chivero by discharging raw sewage into the water body.
This pollution has led to the death of rhinos, fish, and other wildlife that drank the untreated water.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, said that informal settlements near Lake Chivero are making the water more polluted. This pollution is bad for the water that many people in Harare drink. The city's old infrastructure can't handle the waste from the growing population. The pollution has even harmed animals that live in and around the lake. Experts and officials will visit the lake soon to see how bad the pollution is. The City of Harare has been blamed for polluting the lake by putting sewage into it.

Informal Settlements Worsen Lake Chivero Pollution, Says Harare Mayor

Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, revealed that owners of over 100,000 illegally built houses in the capital are not paying rates to the city council.
In response to a prominent user on X (formerly Twitter) commenting on a Sunday Mail story about the City of Harare’s plan to demolish 5,000 illegally constructed houses, Mafume clarified that the number of illegal houses is actually much higher.
He added that these homes were built on land originally designated for schools, clinics, and sorting facilities.
Mafume also disclosed that the Harare City Council had suspended the demolitions due to the elections and the SADC summit. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
These are built on schools, clinics, open spaces &amp; sports grounds. We stopped because of elections and the SADC. Children are forced to move 8 km to school. Clinics are non-existent. Houses are flooding. It has to be corrected…
The irregular settlements number over 100000 houses in and around Harare. 
The illegal houses will soon outnumber the legal rate-paying houses of Harare. The 322000 households we bill foot the bill for everyone!
</blockquote>
ZANU PF land barons have been implicated in the syndicates that has been illegally parcelling out land in the City. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
They do not own the land. They seek no approval from anyone from start to finish. They just build at will and with no due care and regard.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Over 100,000 houses in Harare built illegally. Owners not paying bills. Houses on land meant for schools and clinics. Mayor stopped demolitions for elections and summit. Land barons involved in illegal land deals. Legal houses may soon be outnumbered. 322,000 households paying for everyone. Mayor says it must be fixed.

Over 100,000 Illegal Homes In Harare Aren't Paying Bills - Mafume

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has said the council is working with the government to enforce demolition court orders in an orderly manner, to protect residents who may have fallen victim to land barons.
Last week, the government condemned the destruction of 30 houses in Ridgeview, Belvedere, by the Harare City Council, describing the action as inhumane.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035158/we-are-protecting-victims-from-land-barons-mayor">NewsDay</a> on Monday, Mafume said that the council has reported land barons who illegally sold land to residents to the police and is now awaiting their arrest. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We are working with government on the court orders. Demolitions should be done in an orderly manner but at the same time we are saying people should be compliant with the country’s laws.
We have people who have built houses where children are supposed to play. If we create a city like that, our children will not be happy.
We have reported the land barons to police and we are waiting for their arrest. Yes, if there are those who get to be regularised, they should be cleared.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that there are 144 applicants slated for regularisation based on recent council resolutions.
One notable project, Tafara Pay Schemes, led by Everson Luni, has adhered to council by-laws for town planning.
This compliance includes the payment of application fees, circulation fees, ZESA charges, surveying fees, and costs associated with the Environmental Management Agency and sewerage services.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Harare is working with the government to enforce court orders for demolishing illegal structures in an orderly way. He wants to protect residents from bad people who sold them land illegally. The government was upset about 30 houses being destroyed by the council. The mayor reported the bad people to the police and is waiting for them to be arrested. Some people might be allowed to keep their homes if they follow the laws. A project in Tafara Pay Schemes showed good behavior by following all the rules and paying all the necessary fees.

Harare Mayor Pledges Orderly Enforcement Of Demolition Court Orders

The government has ordered the Harare City Council to stop its controversial house demolition exercise.
This came after a public outcry over the recent demolition of houses in Belvedere, which the City of Harare claims were built on land illegally acquired from land barons.
The council had initially planned to demolish over 5,000 houses in illegal settlements across the city, citing the need to enforce around 37 High Court orders.
The targeted properties, mostly located in high-density suburbs such as Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View, and Mabvuku, were said to be built on land reserved for public amenities.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200035136/govt-stops-harare-demolitions">NewsDay</a>, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe condemned the council’s actions, describing them as “inhumane.” Said Garwe:
<blockquote>
What City Council is doing is inhumane and it is not acceptable. A person takes six months to build a house and you are watching.
Then you want to come and give them a notice of 7 days to come and demolish the house. You give them a notice to relocate, where can they relocate in that short period?
At least they should give them four or five months so that they can build elsewhere.
Yes, Mafume [Harare major Jacob] has a court order, but it does not give him the right to cause people pain and suffering.
From now on, no house will be demolished. We are stopping them from doing so. That’s the government’s position.
</blockquote>
Mafume confirmed the suspension of the demolitions, saying the council would comply with the Local Government Ministry’s order to pause the enforcement of the law for the time being.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government told the Harare City Council to stop destroying houses. People got very upset about houses being demolished in Belvedere. The council planned to destroy over 5,000 illegal houses, but the government said no. The houses were built on land meant for public use. The Minister said it was not fair to kick people out of their homes with only 7 days' notice. Now, the council has to stop demolishing houses for now.

Government Orders Harare City Council To Stop Demolitions

Harare mayor, Jacob Mafume has suspended town clerk Hosiah Chisango over multiple allegations, including awarding a tender to a blacklisted company and extending his term of office indefinitely without council approval.
Chisango has been suspended with pay and benefits but is prohibited from reporting for duty or acting on behalf of the City of Harare during this period.
Recently, he was granted bail by the High Court after spending nearly two months in remand prison on charges of tender fraud.
In his suspension letter dated September 30, Mafume cited several instances of misconduct by Chisango in his role as the council’s accounting officer. Wrote Mafume:
<blockquote>
This letter serves to inform you that on the grounds stated below you are hereby suspended from all your duties as the Town Clerk with effect from the 30th of September 2024 in terms of Section 6 (1) of Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006 as read with Section 139(3)(a) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
Grounds for suspension (a) The employer has a good cause to believe that you have committed a serious misconduct in that you contravened Section 4(a) of the National Code i.e. S.I. 15 of 2006 otherwise known as ‘Any act or conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of the express or implied conditions of his or her contract.
You did so in one or more of the following ways; you misconducted yourself in the procurement and award of a tender for street lights to Jukula Enterprises in that you awarded the contract to a blacklisted company which had a record of breaching its tender obligations.
Or that you awarded a tender to a company owned by proprietors of blacklisted companies thereby exposing Council to potential financial losses and which company in this case had not won the tender.
In doing so, you have failed one of your primary functions as the accounting officer which is to protect the council’s interest
</blockquote>
Mafume also accused Chisango of failing to secure effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and system support for the management of the Council’s billing and accounting systems for nearly five years.
He also claimed that the town clerk renewed the contracts of other senior employees without proper authorisation. Wrote the mayor:
<blockquote>
At the expiry of your fixed term contract around July 2023, you proceeded to give yourself a contract without limit of time without the knowledge and authority of council and without the approval of the Local Government Board in terms of Section 132(1) of the Urban Councils Act.
In violation of the circular issued on the 26th of June 2014 paragraph 2.2 by the Ministry of Local Government and approved by Cabinet.
</blockquote>
Chisango’s contract at the Harare City Council expired in 2023 after completing his initial four-year term.
According to Local Government and Public Works Ministry circular number 86 of 2018, heads of local authorities are mandated to serve for four years.
Meanwhile, according to ZiFM Stereo, on October 1, Mafume was taken aback to find Chisango present at the full council meeting at Town House.
In a surprising turn of events, journalists were quickly removed from the meeting, preventing them from witnessing the unfolding drama between Mafume and Chisango.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare's mayor suspended the town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, for doing bad things like giving a contract to a bad company and extending his job without permission. Chisango can't work during the suspension but still gets paid. The mayor said Chisango also failed to get important software and renewed other contracts without permission. Chisango's contract should have ended in 2023 but he made it unlimited. The mayor was surprised to see Chisango at a meeting and journalists were removed, so no one knows what happened next.

Harare Mayor Suspends Town Clerk, Hosiah Chisango, For Misconduct

Jacob Mafume, a councillor with the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) party and the current Mayor of Harare, has defended the decision of mayors and council chairpersons to attend a two-day training seminar organised by the ruling ZANU PF party’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works summoned all mayors and council chairpersons to attend the indoctrination sessions held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel on August 21 and 22.
While Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and his deputy Edwin Ndlovu opted not to attend, Mafume was among those who participated in the training.
Although the training was conducted by Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology and the ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Mafume has sought to justify the attendance of the opposition-led local authorities. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We cannot shy away from attending some of these workshops when we are invited by our parent Ministry. No one has been asked to renounce their political party, but people have gone to understand the genesis and philosophy that some of us are operating in. It is something we have no qualms about attending, and we are part and parcel of that process.
</blockquote>
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/ideological-college-open-to-every-zimbabwean">The Sunday Mail</a> in 2022, Machacha made it clear that the Chitepo School of Ideology is a party school for ZANU PF. He said:
<blockquote>
Chitepo School of Ideology is a party school for ZANU PF. Its mission is to train and conscientise the leadership of the party, including the cadres, that the party deploys into Government, parastatals and other key national institutions. We aim to raise the political and ideological consciousness of the entire citizens of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Mayors, Council Chairpersons, and Town Clerks who participated in the two-day training programme were expected to receive certificates for completing the Chitepo School of Ideology course this Friday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, is defending CCC councillors attending a ZANU PF training. The training was held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and conducted by the ZANU PF National Political Commissar. Mafume says it's important to understand the ideology, even though it's a party school for ZANU PF. Some mayors chose not to attend. Participants will get certificates for completing the course. It's not about changing parties, just understanding different perspectives. The goal of the training is to raise awareness about politics and ideology in Zimbabwe.

Mafume Defends CCC Councillors' Attendance At ZANU PF Ideology Workshop

Harare mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, has been criticised for attending a ZANU PF indoctrination programme at the party’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
Mafume is among a group of mayors, chairpersons, councillors, and staff from 92 local authorities across the country who attended the two-day training session at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.
The training was conducted by Munyaradzi Machacha, the principal of the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology and ZANU PF’s National Political Commissar, on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
However, the mayors of Bulawayo, David Coltart, and his deputy, Edwin Ndlovu, did not attend the training. Instead, the city’s Town Clerk and Finance Director attended in their place.
Former CCC MP Job Sikhala, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that the opposition councillors attending the training may be motivated by greed. He wrote:
<blockquote>
There are more important things in life than money and power. No amount of silver and gold should persuade you to sacrifice your values and principles to be dragged to the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, to be brainwashed with some redundant ideology.
The ideology that is anti-people, promotion of the persecution of those in disagreement with that moribund ideology and intolerance of opponents of the establishment!
</blockquote>
Hopewell Chin’ono, a prominent government critic, was more blunt in his assessment of Mafume’s attendance at the ZANU PF ideological training.
Chin’ono accused Mafume of “treachery” saying he is now serving his own interests and those of the ruling ZANU PF party. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
Harareans rejected ZANU PF in toto, but here you are, Mayor, using taxpayers’ money to attend an ideological indoctrination workshop at a ZANU PF indoctrination school!
I wouldn’t blame anyone who argues that you are no longer serving the interests of the residents of Harare, you are now serving your own interests and those of ZANU PF!
I can’t imagine that you would leave your office for the whole day to go to a ZANU PF indoctrination school when your residents have no clean drinking water!
It is just irresponsible for any opposition-elected mayor to do such a reckless thing! You have insulted the residents of Harare.
They are powerless because everything in Zimbabwe is captured, but at this point, it is fair to say you don’t represent them anymore!
… History will never forgive you for this treachery Jacob, you have betrayed the residents of Harare.
Our country is broken both politically and economically because of ZANU PF, yet you see it fit to not only go to a ZANU PF indoctrination school but to also use our money as Harareans attending this rubbish!
If Harareans had a way to remove you they would, but of course, ZANUPF courts will protect you, I am disappointed in not only your irresponsible actions, but in you too!
You have undermined the democratic process by participating in a ZANUPF indoctrination workshop while serving as an opposition mayor, you have “legitimised” the ruling party’s authoritarian tactics.
Long live David Coltart, the Mayor of Bulawayo, for rejecting this nonsense!
</blockquote>
Mafume is a member of the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and was re-elected as the mayor of Harare following the 2023 general elections.
His re-election came after Sengezo Tshabangu controversially recalled his two predecessors, Ian Makone and Lovejoy Chitengu.
Tshabangu, known for unilaterally recalling scores of CCC MPs and Councillors, defended the mandatory two-day ideological training, describing it as a positive initiative aimed at building the capacity of councillors and aligning local governance with national policies.
The Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology is named after Herbert Chitepo, a prominent nationalist and former chairperson of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU).
The school focuses on topics such as patriotism, national security, and the history of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume went to ZANU PF training, some people are not happy. They say he is betraying the opposition. Other mayors did not go. Critics say Mafume is serving his own interests, not the people. They think it's wrong for him to go to ZANU PF training. But some say the training is good for learning about important things. The training is about the history of Zimbabwe and being loyal to the country. Some people are mad at Mafume for going. They think he should focus on helping the people of Harare instead.

Mafume Slammed For Attending ZANU PF Ideological Training

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

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said the capital has the potential to become the hub of cannabis production in Zimbabwe and Africa if the business community invests in the commercial crop.
Speaking during the tour of the Medical Cannabis Biotech farm where he commended African Medical Cannabis Biotech for investing in the city’s cannabis industry, Mafume said (via <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/mafume-pin-hopes-on-cannabis/">Business Times</a>):
<blockquote>
We should find a way to use cannabis effectively such that it benefits our city and country as a whole.
</blockquote>
The Harare mayor said investing in cannabis production and value addition will create employment opportunities for young people and also boost the economy. Mafume said:
<blockquote>
We have come with the business community of Harare. What we want is to encourage investors to invest in cannabis.
The medicinal impact of this cannabis has been long known in our society from Binga to Chipinge, and we have been using it for medicinal purposes for time immemorial.
The scientific impact of this cannabis is felt and known, and these are the types of investments we want as a city. We are hoping to work out how, as a city, we can partner in coming up with investors.
Just like we are the centre of tobacco, we can become the centre of cannabis in Zimbabwe.”
The plant we have seen is the best to extract oil, and we need to expand this investment such that it will help the economy and many of our youths.
We have seen some of the major works and investments happening in Harare, such as the opening of Meikles and food outlets. Therefore, we need to support this agro-based economy.
</blockquote>
Kim Ruan, the managing director of African Medical Cannabis Biotech said Zimbabwe’s climate and soils are conducive for growing cannabis.
In 2018, Zimbabwe became one of the first countries in Africa to legalize the production of medicinal cannabis. The government issued 57 licenses for cannabis cultivation.
The US$27 million Swiss Bioceuticals Limited Medicinal Cannabis Farm and Processing Plant recently commissioned in Mount Hampden, Mashonaland West Province aims to produce medicinal cannabis oil for both local and international markets
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Can Be The Cannabis Production Hub In Zimbabwe - Mafume

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume said that the Harare City Council will install television screens at Rufaro Stadium that will enable football fans to watch the English Premier League’s title-deciding matches on Sunday, 19 May 2024.
The EPL matches will be beamed soon after the end of the CAPS United versus Dynamos Castle Premier Soccer League match at the same stadium.
EPL defending champions, Manchester City, with 88 points, host West Ham at Etihad Stadium while title rivals Arsenal, with 86 points, welcome Everton at Emirates Stadium.
The Harare derby kicks off at 3 PM with the EPL title deciders getting underway at 5 PM.
Mafume on Thursday told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/big-screens-for-rufaro/">The Herald</a> that they had decided to provide television screens, bar, and catering for those seeking to watch the English matches after the Harare derby. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We are fully preparing for the Harare derby and we also know that in the sporting calendar, this Sunday is going to be an important day in the English Premier League.
So, what we have done is that we have put TV screens inside Rufaro stadium by the kiosks where just soon after the derby is finished, TVs will be mounted and people can watch the decider of the EPL.
It means they don’t have to rush out of Rufaro or be caught in the traffic jam trying to catch up with what will be happening in the EPL.
They will be able to watch the proceedings of the Premier League soon after the final whistle here at Rufaro.
</blockquote>
Mafume also said part of the City of Harare’s long-term plans was to ensure that Rufaro Stadium becomes a seven-day facility and not a weekend facility. He said:
<blockquote>
[Rufaro] is going to have beer gardens, and it is going to have big screens for soccer both international and local.
It is going to be a go-to centre and one-stop shop it is going to be a sports village and a sports village must be able to deal with both local and international sport…
Beyond the derby, the long-term plan is to construct sports bars here at Rufaro, we are going to have big screens, it has got to be a seven-day facility and not a weekend facility.
We want to it be a place where it can be a family fun day, we are thinking of having entertainment and we are buying state of an art sound system for that purpose.
We are also going to ask entertainers to come in and perform and create a fun day, we are going to create what we want to call a Rufaro experience so that even if you are touring from the provinces and other parts of the country, you will be able to come and leave with some memorabilia and also with a huge experience at Rufaro, the photo experience and the kinds of things you will find at an international stadium.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

TV Screens To Be Installed At Rufaro Stadium For EPL Title-Deciding Matches - Harare Mayor

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>

We Have Nothing To Hide - Harare Mayor

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

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume contends that the suspension of Rufaro Stadium as a host venue for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches lacks justification and is instead a clear manifestation of football politics.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/rufaro-being-politicized-harare-mayor-responds-to-ban-on-stadium/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Mafume asserted on Wednesday that the stadium issue has now become highly politicized.
Mafume seemingly taunted Dynamos, a team with historical ties to the stadium, for not exerting enough influence to secure permission for stadium usage from the relevant authorities. He said:
<blockquote>
Rufaro is now being politicized, I think we are now entering into the realm of football politics, perhaps the administrators felt Dynamos should play its home game at Barbourfields not here (Rufaro) or maybe Dynamos is naive not to use its home.
The home for Dynamos is ready, if they are naive to be told there is a toilet that is not clean and they cannot use the stadium then they are being dribbled.
I cannot help anyone who is being dribbled or who succumbs to being dribbled.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that urgent repairs are needed for the faulty turnstiles at Rufaro Stadium. These turnstiles caused significant delays, particularly on Good Friday, leading to winding queues even after the match had already begun.
Football analyst Solomon Manganyi criticised PSL Chairman Farai Jere, who is CAPS United owner and MP for Murehwa West (ZANU PF), of bias against Dynamos. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Now I understand what the PSL Chairman [Farai Jere] meant by saying they fixed the fixtures in favour of certain teams. So CAPS United benefited from playing two games at home as well as revenue-wise and it’s now Dynamos playing at home and suddenly Rufaro is not good enough.
We raised the issue of turnstiles after the match between Yadah and Dynamos but the PSL administration saw it fit for CAPS to host Arenel Movers [at Rufaro] whilst Herentals hosted FC Platinum and reference for shutting it is the Yadah versus Dynamos match.
</blockquote>
ZIFA First Instance Board chairman Sheriff Musa, said Rufaro stadium was temporarily homologated as more work still needs to be done. Said Musa:
<blockquote>
We temporarily homologated Rufaro Stadium to host games, although there are a few touch-ups that need to be done.
Work is in progress and with the dedication that the Mayor has, we trust all that will be done.
</blockquote>
The  ZIFA First Instance Board is responsible for examining stadiums to ensure they meet minimum standards.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rufaro Stadium Being Politicised, Says Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume

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 Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart has distanced himself from former MDC and PDP members who claim to have taken control of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.
This comes after Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, who claims to be the CCC’s spokesperson, said Coltart was the party’s Treasurer-General.
Mafume and his allies who include Welshman Ncube and Tendai Biti, purport to have revived the MDC Alliance structures elected by the 2019 Gweru Congress to run CCC.
Coltart, who was elected MDC Alliance Tresurer-General, was among the party’s former bigwigs who snubbed a recent meeting of CCC members who sought to revive the structures from the Gweru Congress.
Responding to an X user who had asked to know his position regarding the remarks made by Mafume, Coltart said he ceased being Treasurer General a long time ago. He said:
<blockquote>
That is news to me. I ceased being Treasurer General ages ago. As I wrote in my statement recently I refuse to be drawn into any zero-sum game. The future of Zimbabwe depends on all genuine democrats finding each other and working jointly to defeat tyranny.
</blockquote>
Commenting on Coltart’s stance, journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono said opposition political activists must resolve their differences and work together. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
This is why Blessed Mhlanga’s question was important and relevant to the current opposition drama, 
@DavidColtart has rejected Jacob Mafume’s assertion that he is the current Treasurer-General.
This now leads to more questions that need to be asked, questions asking who else was named and yet is not part of the CCC leadership structure in the faction represented by Jacob Mafume as party spokesman.
As the man he has always been, @DavidColtart has maturely advised anyone opposed to ZANU-PF corrupt rule to not fight to kill each other.
He realises that these opposition fights have only one beneficiary, ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
Coltart is among the majority of CCC’s elected representatives who resisted pressure to resign after former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa quit the party last month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

David Coltart Rubbishes Mafume's Treasurer General Claims

Promise Mkwananzi has announced that Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is no longer a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party. Mkwananzi stated that Mafume was dismissed for associating with the party’s disputed secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu. This came after Mafume declared that the CCC faction led by Tshabangu held a meeting in Bulawayo and appointed interim presidents for the party.
Mafume explained that Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, and Lynette Karenyi-Kore were selected as interim presidents, with each leader serving for 90 days before passing the role to the next person. Ncube would be the first to assume this position. Mafume was elected as the party’s national spokesperson, taking over from Promise Mkwananzi in August 2023, who had held the position previously.

<ul>
<li class="text-4xl border-b-2 border-[#e8e9ea] tracking-tight pb-4 font-bold pt-4"><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/02/17/welshman-ncube-tendai-biti-karenyi-kore-appointed-ccc-interim-presidents-amid-leadership-crisis/">Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti, Karenyi-Kore Appointed CCC Interim Presidents Amid Leadership Crisis</a></li>
</ul>
During the meeting, it was also decided to reactivate the MDC 2019 congress posts, resulting in Chalton Hwende resuming the position of secretary general. These appointments are temporary until the party conducts an elective congress to choose permanent leaders, according to Mafume. However, in a statement seen by Pindula News, Mkwananzi, who still identifies himself as the CCC spokesperson, declared that these appointments hold no validity, implying internal factional conflicts within the party. Mkwananzi said:
<blockquote>
We have called the present press conference to update the citizens of Zimbabwe, the International community and all stakeholders of the change project on several key developments within the party and in our spaces within the governance structure of the country.
As you may now be aware, the party’s founder and leader, President Advocate Nelson Chamisa resigned as leader and head of the Citizens Coalition for Change; a history which we shall not regurgitate at this presser. It is at the backdrop of the said resignation that the party’s Citizens National Assembly convened and resolved the question of the leadership vacuum occasioned by the President’s resignation from the party. The undoubted consensus within the party’s membership and progressive leadership is that the President had become a target of a deliberate project sponsored by the parallel state and implemented by a fatigued and positions hungry lot seeking to sustain a Zanu PF rule in Zimbabwe.
It is important that we clarify that the resignation of the President was by no means intended to burn the party and its assets to the ground. The resignation has in fact breathed life to and sustained the fight for democratic transition in our country.
The struggle for democratic transition in Zimbabwe is undergoing a transition. That transition, entails the falling away of an old culture, old tendencies and old politics and to some extent, old personalities and characters. There is an unstoppable and refreshing birth of the new; characterised by a new culture of politics that is people centred as opposed to being position centred. The sacrifice by President Nelson Chamisa to abandon an institution which he founded must be understood in the context of this painful but real transition. We have to assert at this juncture that the CNA has resolved that the CCC and its deployees (MPs and Councillors) remain committed to the transitional process which will deliver a New Great Zimbabwe led by Adv. Nelson Chamisa.
Let there be no doubt, the party and its membership, represented by the resolutions of the CNA has given the task of managing the internal transitional processes of the party to Senator Jameson Timba who leads the Administration Bureau of the party with representation from all the ten provinces in Zimbabwe. Senator Jameson Timba, a senior political leader within the democratic movement in Zimbabwe carries a collective and technical mandate of running the affairs of the party ahead of President Nelson Chamisa’s treatise on the next step. In conformity with his mandate, Senator Jameson Timba announced a series of key appointments in the party’s Parliamentary leadership structure which has been confirmed by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
All party deployees in Parliament are called upon to co-operate and work with the stated leadership in executing the party’s legislative agenda and in advancing the interests of the citizens. Any acts of insubordination, sabotage and rebellion shall be considered an affront to the country’s democratisation agenda and shall be meted with legal and political processes to ensure struggle discipline.
The party has taken note of the growing concerns around numerous evictions which have been carried out by the ZANU PF government in various parts of the country. We are concerned with the obvious affront to human rights and livelihood of many Zimbabwean citizens affected by what appears to be consequences of an unclosed chapter of a fractured land reform program. The party has thus appointed its Legal and Parliamentary Affairs bureau head, Honourable Agency Gumbo to lead a commission constituted by Members of Parliament and Councillors to embark on a national fact finding mission which will inform the party’s response to this growing national concern.
We further wish to communicate, unequivocally to the public, that there is a team which is presently moving around provinces carrying a special mandate of informing our base on the state of affairs in the democratic alternative. We dispel any notion and or innuendos thereof, by our detractors who seek to suggest a rift and lack of consensus on the strategic steps which are a parcel of the party’s internal transitional process. Without saying much, we advise the citizens of Zimbabwe to remain vigilant and understand that there is cohesion in the processes currently underway.
We have taken note of some rotten apples seeking to further the contamination within the party and its deployees. We have heard timid whispers emanating from Holiday Inn in Bulawayo wherein one Jacob Mafume mischievously makes pronouncements about the leadership of the CCC. We state categorically that the said pronouncements are null and void and are not a representation of the collective wisdom and resolution of the Citizens National Assembly.
We wish to state that Mr Mafume is not authorised to speak for and on behalf of the party, his obvious link with Sengezo Tshabangu and the unlawful recalls has now been confirmed. His reference to a supposed link between the CCC and the leadership of the MDC A is not only mischievous but a confirmation that he has ceased to be a member of the CCC. Accordingly, any deployee or leader of CCC who associates with this mischief will automatically cease to be a member of the party and the relevant political and legal consequences shall ensue.
Promise Mkwananzi 
National Spokesperson 
ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION ONE VISION
</blockquote>
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Promise Mkwananzi Says Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume No Longer A Member Of CCC Party

Bus and commuter omnibus operators in Harare have revealed that rank marshals are colluding with corrupt police and municipal officers to collect unauthorized taxes at bus termini, pocketing an estimated US$1 million each month. The rank marshals, who work with five associations representing the operators, reportedly collect up to US$240,000 per month from each association.
According to Mr. Pious Chidzenga, the head of operations for the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), each driver is forced to pay US$2 for every trip they make into the rank, resulting in rank marshals earning US$10 per driver daily. This exploitative practice extends over a month, with drivers individually contributing US$300. With over 800 members in ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$240,000 monthly from this association alone. He told The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/rank-marshals-pocket-us1m-a-month">Sunday Mail</a>:
<blockquote>
Each driver is compelled to pay US$2 for every one of the five daily trips they make into the rank. Simple multiplication will tell you that rank marshals pocket a substantial US$10 per driver each day. This exploitative practice persists over a month, with drivers contributing US$300 per month individually. When multiplied by the 800 members of ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$ 240,000 monthly. This figure represents just one association out of the more than five operating within Harare.
</blockquote>
During a public transport stakeholders meeting, Harare’s police officer commanding, Commissioner Wonder Tembo, expressed his disapproval of this behavior and announced an upcoming operation to eradicate this criminal syndicate. He acknowledged that some rank marshals falsely claim association with senior political figures but assured stakeholders that the police would not tolerate such behavior. He said:
<blockquote>
As officer commanding Harare, I want to mention that as police, we don’t condone such kind of behaviour that is prevailing at various bus ranks. We are having running battles with people who claim they own certain ranks. I have tasked my assistant commissioners to sit down with Harare City Council officials to come up with an operation to tame this menace.
We are aware that many of these rank marshals hide behind political parties, but we have never received a call from any political party or Government questioning why we have arrested certain troublemakers.
I urge you (council) to also come up with an operation and as law-enforcement agents, we will support you and we will come in our numbers to help you. We don’t want to be the initiators of the job that is supposed to be done by you.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Tembo urged operators to resist paying the rank marshals and assured them of police support if they faced intimidation. 
Harare’s Mayor, Cllr Jacob Mafume, acknowledged that rank marshals had gained excessive power at council bus stations but assured stakeholders that action would be taken to restore order. He announced plans for the council to take over the ranks and address the situation in the coming month.
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Corrupt Rank Marshals Pocket $1 Million Monthly In Unauthorised Bus Taxes

Harare mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said that some councillors attend meetings under the influence of alcohol and drugs resulting in unnecessary disputes.
This comes after Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Ward 43 councillor, Blessing Duma, disrupted a council meeting presided over by Mafume on Friday last week.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022160/councillors-attend-meetings-drunk-mafume">NewsDay</a> reported that some councillors supported Duma after he was removed from the council’s influential audit committee.
Addressing the full special council meeting, Mafume accused councillors of attending council meetings drunk. He said:
<blockquote>
As you all know when preparing to come for the meetings people take different substances.
So, certain substances then confuse the person and it takes time for the substance to subside so that they do well and will be able to hold the meeting properly.
</blockquote>
Mafume also said councillors did not understand the law resulting in them raising issues that were “legally untenable”. He said:
<blockquote>
Our understanding of the law is very different as councillors and sometimes our level of comprehension is different depending on the tools that we developed for ourselves before becoming councillors.
So, sometimes they misread or fail to understand the law completely and raise their hands to legally untenable mouth things.
On Friday, (there) was a robust debate by some who felt certain changes ought not to be done for one reason or the other. We welcome the vitality and the energy of debates.
People are free to contribute when there are debates, but then there are times when you feel that people are plotting to sink the council.
The constitution is very clear on how a councillor or a mayor leaves office.
And one of them is certainly not bypassing the motion in the chamber.
</blockquote>
In September 2023, Masvingo City Council Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa banned employees from consuming the Kambucha/Kombucha drink during working hours on the advice of council doctors who established that the drink was an alcoholic substance.
The ban followed incidents in which some city workers reported to work drunk while others were openly drinking Kambucha at work claiming it has medicinal properties.
Kombucha is a beverage that was introduced not too long ago and some of its consumers consider it an energy drink with medicinal properties while others, mostly men, consider the beverage an aphrodisiac and consume it for its supposedly sex-enhancing properties.
In October the Ministry of Health and Child Care ordered an investigation into Kambucha to ascertain whether it has health benefits as claimed by its producers and consumers or is just an intoxicating concoction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Councillors Attend Meetings Drunk - Mafume

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has suggested that the Local Government Minister proposed using presidential powers to bring the Harare Municipality under direct state administration. Charamba believes this is necessary to address crises such as cholera and water shortages in the capital.
Charamba argues that the infighting within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party which runs the City of Harare, coupled with the ongoing cholera pandemic, calls for a direct state administration. He believes that the state is already doing much of the work in addressing these issues, so it makes sense to take full control. He even suggests reappointing Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume to lead the new rescue initiative created under presidential powers. He said:
<blockquote>
WITH THE PARALYSIS WHICH TRIPLE C INFIGHTING HAS WROUGHT ON CITY OF HARARE, AND GIVEN THE RAGING CHOLERA PANDEMIC, IT IS ABOUT TIME 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 PUBLIC HEALTH ARGUMENT. THE STATE IS DOING MUCH OF THE WORK ANYWAY!!!!!
EVEN BETTER POLITICS WOULD BE TO REAPPOINT DOINK – MAFUME – TO LEAD THE NEW RESCUE CREATURE CREATED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL POWERS.
</blockquote>
However, some commentators have pushed back against this proposal. They point out that even in areas where local authorities are already under state administration, there has been no tangible development or even worse conditions than in Harare. They question the effectiveness of presidential powers in bringing about real change and argue that those powers could be better utilised to address other pressing issues, such as the country’s economic collapse, abolishing the Zimbabwe dollar, increasing civil servants’ salaries, and combating corruption.
Critics also argue that the state of Harare is a reflection of the country’s overall economic situation. They emphasise that managing a city with a large informal trading sector is challenging. They place responsibility for the current problems in Harare and other cities on the government, particularly the ruling party, ZANU PF, attributing the issues to their governance and economic policies.
Since the early 2000s, the opposition has been in charge of managing major cities in Zimbabwe. However, these cities have struggled to provide essential public goods and services like clean water, sewage systems, garbage collection, road maintenance, and street lighting. The opposition blames this failure on insufficient funds and interference from the central government. They argue that the central government does not allocate the necessary resources to local authorities as required by the constitution. They also believe that the central government, through the local government ministry, intentionally undermines development efforts by local authorities to weaken the opposition’s hold on power.
On the other hand, the central government denies these allegations. They claim that they have a responsibility to oversee the operations of local governments. When local authorities are unable to fulfil their obligations, the central government argues that it must intervene to protect the interests of the general public. They deny purposely sabotaging development to influence electoral outcomes.
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It's Time To Bring Harare Municipality Under Direct State Administration - Presidential Spokesperson

The President of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a>, has reportedly fired the Mayor of Harare, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Mafume/">Jacob Mafume</a>, and six other councillors. They have been expelled from the party because they aligned themselves with disputed party interim Secretary General <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Sengezo_Tshabangu/">Sengezo Tshabangu</a> and caused chaos within the party.
Mafume’s removal comes shortly after he was re-elected as Harare Mayor. There were allegations that he convinced Tshabangu to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/09/tshabangu-strikes-again-recalls-harare-mayor-ian-makone-deputy-7-more-councillors/">recall the previous mayors</a> – Ian Makone, and Lovejoy Chitegu – so that he could regain his position. Mafume reportedly demanded that councillors vote for him, claiming that he had control over their continued stay in office.
It is alleged that Mafume was hurt by Chamisa’s decision not to support <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/12/21/jacob-mafume-bounces-back-as-harare-mayor/">Mafume’s re-election</a>. Mafume had hoped for a second term as mayor after completing the term of former Harare Mayor, Herbert Gomba. An anonymous source told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/chamisa-fires-harare-mayor-mafume-six-other-councillors-for-scheming-with-tshabangu/">The NewsHawks</a>:
<blockquote>
Mafume has been fired for his role in destabilising the party.
He has been fired alongside six other Councillors from across the country. Expect more of these decisions as the party has been observing and now knows those against its agenda.
</blockquote>
The other six councillors who were allegedly fired are Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu from Bulawayo, Mayor Sophia Gwasira and Deputy Mayor Cloud Nengomasha from Mutare, and two unnamed councillors from Marondera and Harare.
Tshabangu, a former MDC provincial youth chairperson and member of the MDC-N, has been causing turmoil within the CCC by recalling Members of Parliament and councillors. He claims the recalls are necessary to address irregularities and disrespect for party processes. He claims that the recalled individuals ceased to be CCC members and that they had been imposed on the electorate by Nelson Chamisa.
Some believe that CCC’s former deputy president, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tendai_Biti/">Tendai Biti,</a> has been influencing these expulsions due to his resentment towards Chamisa. Biti reportedly wants to ensure the downfall of the CCC. Mafume has a history of supporting Biti, as he previously joined Biti’s People Democratic Party after a disagreement with the late Morgan Tsvangirai, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/11/biti-speaks-on-strategic-ambiguity-recalls-and-failure-to-be-in-parliament/">Biti denied the allegations</a> saying although he differs with Chamisa’s way of doing things, he would never go as far as giving ZANU PF an advantage on any platform.
It remains to be seen whether the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission will recognize these expulsions, as previous letters signed by Chamisa were ignored by Parliament, despite being acknowledged.
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