Residents of Victoria Falls are unhappy with the decision by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, to order the city council to reverse the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube, who is facing corruption allegations.
Last year, Victoria Falls Mayor Prince Moyo suspended Dube over these allegations, but Garwe intervened and called for the suspension to be lifted.
In an interview with <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/update-on-victoria-falls-town-clerk-issue-residents-association-speaks-out/">VicFallsLive</a>, Kelvin Moyo, Chairperson of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (VFCRA), said they expected Dube to clear his name through the courts and a commission of inquiry before returning to office. He added:
<blockquote>
Currently, we are following up on the investigation’s progress. The local ZRP advised us that the case has been referred to Hwange, where an investigating officer will handle the criminal aspects, while another investigator from ZACC will address the administrative issues.
Residents expect the town clerk to inspire confidence by clearing his name and ensuring that rates and tariffs are used effectively.
They are worried about expensive rates and tariffs, which are linked to corruption allegations against the town clerk.
We will continue to push for justice and ensure that the Victoria Falls remains a destination of choice for local and international investors.
</blockquote>
Garwe recently dismissed residents’ associations as burial societies, claiming they do not represent the interests of all residents. He said:
<blockquote>
The constitution of this country does not recognise the existence of those burial societies or residents associations.
So, we did not even pay attention to the letter that was coming from those burial societies. Those are just loose associations of like-minded people.
They do not represent the interests of all the residents. So, we did not pay attention to them because we were not bound by any statutes to listen to them. So, we did not listen to their lawyers and to them as well.
</blockquote>
In response to Garwe’s remarks labelling residents’ associations as “burial societies,” Moyo said the minister is misinformed about the situation on the ground. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Regarding the minister’s comments labelling our associations as “burial societies,” I view it as political banter.
Our mandate is to represent the interests of Victoria Falls residents, and we are registered associations, not burial societies.
We are constituted to ensure service delivery, particularly in areas like water, garbage collection, roads, and drainage systems.
We will continue to be watchdogs, ensuring that the council’s actions are consistent with the laws of the Urban Council Act and the nation.
I believe the minister is misinformed about the situation on the ground. If he engages with us, I’m confident he will understand our perspective and not have the same views and comments about Victoria Falls and our associations.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

Residents of Victoria Falls are upset because the Minister ordered the city council to let the Town Clerk, who is accused of corruption, come back to work. People want the Town Clerk to prove he is innocent before returning. They are worried about expensive rates and corruption. The Minister called residents' associations "burial societies" and said they don't represent everyone, but residents disagree. They say they are registered associations that work to improve their town. Residents will keep fighting for justice and to make sure their town is run correctly.

Victoria Falls Residents Demand Transparency In Town Clerk Corruption Probe

Residents of Victoria Falls and Hwange have threatened to take legal action against Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe after he reversed the suspension of town clerk Ronnie Dube.
Dube had faced numerous graft allegations, including serious abuse of office charges, when he was asked to take leave on December 2.
Documents obtained by the <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/local-news/article/200036796/minister-residents-cross-swords-over-town-clerk-defiant-garwe-brands-vic-falls-associations-burial-societies">Zimbabwe Independent</a> show that Victoria Falls mayor Thuso Moyo’s letter suspending Dube was ratified by a full council meeting on December 3.
However, on December 6, Garwe intervened, arguing that the council’s resolution was “not in the interest of the inhabitants of the council area concerned” and “not in line with Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 20:15).” He then instructed the mayor to reinstate Dube.
Hwange and Victoria Falls residents’ associations, represented by Dube, Mguni, and Dube legal practitioners, have responded strongly to Garwe’s actions, saying it was he who was not acting in the residents’ interest. Their letter reads in part:
<blockquote>
Our clients are concerned that the contents of the honourable minister’s letter purport to represent the interest of the inhabitants of the City of Victoria Falls, whom he has not consulted.
The honourable minister is advised that the suspension of the town clerk complies with 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 20:15) regarding the inquiry into the allegations of the suspended town clerk.
</blockquote>
The residents warned that failure by Garwe to withdraw his directive would leave them with no choice but to approach the High Court.
The residents’ associations also criticized Garwe for allegedly compromising the government’s efforts to combat corruption. They wrote:
<blockquote>
There is, with respect, no legal basis for councillors to rescind a lawful resolution meant to combat corruption in local authorities. The honourable minister’s directive has adverse effects on fighting corruption.
The directive is meant to lift the town clerk’s suspension without him answering the allegations against him.
It is not government policy that those accused of corruption can be let off the hook without being investigated or brought to book.
</blockquote>
Following Garwe’s directive to the mayor, the town clerk was reinstated on January 6 after the councillors reversed their decision to suspend him.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Residents in Victoria Falls and Hwange are angry because a town clerk accused of bad things was allowed to come back to work. The mayor and council decided to suspend him, but the government said he should go back to work. The residents may go to court if the government doesn't change its decision. They think the government is not fighting corruption properly. The town clerk is now back at work, even though the accusations against him have not been resolved. Residents are not happy about this and want things to change.

Victoria Falls Residents Threaten Legal Action Over Town Clerk Reinstatement

Residents of Victoria Falls have vowed to prevent Town Clerk Ronnie Dube from returning to office, despite Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe’s decision to overturn Dube’s suspension by Mayor Prince Tuso Moyo.
Moyo had suspended Dube over allegations of corruption related to land deals and contracts, but Garwe nullified the suspension.
Speaking at Chinotimba Hall, where hundreds of residents, including war veterans and members of the Hwange Residents Association, had gathered, Kelvin Moyo, chairperson of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association, insisted that Dube should remain suspended until the investigations into the allegations are concluded. Said Moyo (via <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/victoria-falls-residents-vow-to-bar-town-clerk-from-office-despite-ministers-intervention/">VicFallsLive</a>):
<blockquote>
The reason why we were here was to give the residents feedback that they had initially asked us to write to the mayor to say he should suspend the Town Clerk Ronnie Dube on the allegations.
People have resolved, after receiving feedback, that the letter written by the minister regarding the rescinding of their decision should be set aside. This letter was a resolution.
The section raised by the minister can only be invoked when he is protecting the interests of the residents. However, in this case, the interests of the residents are well known to us.
The residents themselves have stated that it is the right decision to suspend the Town Clerk in order to pave the way for the investigation.
</blockquote>
The residents resolved to stage a peaceful demonstration to prevent Dube from returning to work until investigations into his alleged misconduct were completed. They plan to march to the council offices to physically block his entry.
Garwe’s decision to nullify Dube’s suspension was based on Section 139(4) of the Urban Councils Act, which grants the minister the authority to intervene in council decisions.
However, Moyo contends that this provision does not apply in this case, arguing that the minister is not acting in the best interests of the residents.
The controversy surrounding Dube’s suspension adds to a growing list of allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the Victoria Falls City Council.
Dube has refrained from commenting on the accusations since his suspension last week.
This is not the first time Dube has faced such allegations; he was suspended in 2021 over similar issues but was later reinstated.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Residents of Victoria Falls are mad that their Town Clerk, Ronnie Dube, is coming back to work after being accused of corruption. The Mayor suspended him, but the Minister said it was okay for him to come back. The residents disagree and want him to stay suspended until the investigation is done. They plan to protest and block him from entering the office. The Minister has the power to overturn the Mayor's decision, but the residents think he is not doing what's best for them. This is not the first time Dube has been accused of doing bad things.

Victoria Falls Residents Vow To Block Town Clerk's Return

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has ordered Victoria Falls City Council Mayor Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo to reverse the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube with immediate effect.
In a letter dated 06 December 2024, and addressed to Moyo, Garwe the suspension was unprocedural. He wrote:
<blockquote>
It has come to my attention that you suspended the Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube on 2 December 2024. On 3 December 2024 council convened a special full council meeting for ratification of the Town Clerk’s suspension.
I have noted that the resolution which council made is not in line with Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act by constituting two bodies of inquiry which will financially prejudice the council.
The decision to pay the suspended Town Clerk allowances is also not supported by any council policy. 
I am therefore of the view that the resolution of the Council is not in the interest of the inhabitants of the council area considered and or public interest who are the taxpayers of the council.
With immediate effect, I hereby in terms of Section 314 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] direct the council to rescind the resolution made on 3 December regarding the suspension of the Town Clerk Mr R. Dube.
</blockquote>
Dube was suspended last Monday following allegations of corruption and abuse of office, with councillors formally endorsing the suspension in a full council meeting the next day.
The suspension was initially set for 14 days, after which a decision would be made based on the findings of an ongoing investigation into the allegations, as stated by Cllr Moyo.
The Mayor said that he had received multiple complaints and allegations concerning Dube’s involvement in the illegal allocation of land, which led to the suspension.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government said the mayor cannot suspend the town clerk Ronnie Dube and wants the suspension reversed. The mayor made a decision that is not allowed by the law and is not good for the people who live in the area. Ronnie Dube was accused of doing bad things, so he got suspended, but now the suspension has to be cancelled. The mayor said there were complaints about Ronnie Dube giving away land in a wrong way. The investigation will continue to see if it is true or not.

Government Reverses Suspension Of Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube

Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Moyo has suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube with immediate effect over allegations of abuse of office and corruption.
In the letter of suspension addressed to Dube, dated December 02, Moyo said that the suspension is in terms of Section 139 of the Urban Councils Act, Chapter 29:15. Some of the allegations levelled against Dube are:
<ul>
<li>Allocating stands 9816 and 9945 to Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Saritsozo without following Council procedures</li>
<li>Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without following tender processes.</li>
<li>Selling and transferring stand 1829 in Chinotimba Township without receiving payment or following procedures.</li>
</ul>
See the letter below:
<blockquote>
RE: SUSPENSION OF THE TOWN CLERK IN TERMS OF 5139 (3) OF URBAN COUNILS ACT CHAPTER 29:15

In my capacity as the Mayor, I have received several complaints and allegations of abuse of office and corruption against yourself.
In particular it is alleged that you allocated or caused to be allocated stand 9816 to Priscilla Thabolo and stand 9945 to Portia Saritsozo without following Council procedures.
It is alleged that the above two have a relationship with you, (2)it is alleged that you awarded a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants for overseeing a contract management without following the tender processes and, (3) it is alleged that you sold and transferred stand 1829 Chinotimba Township and Council did not receive payment for the same and the sale was not procedurally done.
As a result of the above allegations amongst others I hereby suspend with immediate effect and this suspension is in terms of 5139 of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15.
You are required to leave Council offices forthwith. Council will notify you on the way forward.
</blockquote>
Last week, Dube was named Zimbabwe’s Best Performing Chief Executive for 2024 by the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network.
Dube, who assumed his position at Victoria Falls City Council eight years ago, succeeded Christopher Dube, now Town Clerk for Bulawayo City Council.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victoria Falls Mayor Prince Moyo has suspended Town Clerk Ronnie Dube for doing bad things. Dube is accused of unfair land dealings and giving contracts without following rules. The mayor got many complaints about Dube. The suspension is immediate, and Dube must leave the office. Dube was named Zimbabwe's Best CEO in 2024. He took over the job eight years ago. Christopher Dube is now the Town Clerk for Bulawayo City Council.

Victoria Falls Mayor Suspends Town Clerk Ronnie Dube Over Corruption Allegations

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has absolved Victoria Falls Mayor, Councillor Somvelo Dlamini, of corruption charges, and instead found the Town Clerk, Ronnie Dube, culpable on a number of graft charges.
Last year, Victoria Falls residents locked Dube’s office, accusing him of corruption, and in response, the Ministry dispatched a team to the city to investigate the allegations against him.
According to findings of the inquiry that have already been presented to the local authority, Dube has been found culpable on a number of charges. Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>
The Town Clerk, Ronnie Dube must be held accountable and culpable for writing to Jackelberry informing them that they had a 15-year lease that was being processed by council when in fact no allocation and resolution had been passed by council.
By so doing, the Town Clerk usurped the powers of council to resolve this critical matter an issue that the executive was expected to implement after resolution.
The Town Clerk Ronny Dube must be held culpable and accountable for allocating the Chinotimba Brewery to Jackelberry investments without a council resolution and authority.
The Town Clerk must be held accountable for variation of the employment of his contract by applying for a vehicle loan and requesting for a discount fully aware that it was not provided.
</blockquote>
Dube has been ordered to pay the loan in full as the council was prejudiced of US$20 075.
He was also found guilty of presenting matters in Full Council without first presenting the matters to committees for deliberations and for running council without Work Plans and failing to properly appraise his management during the course of the year, among other allegations. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/victoria-falls-town-clerk-must-face-the-music-government/">The Sunday News</a>

'Victoria Falls Town Clerk Must Be Held To Account'

Victoria Falls City Council town clerk Ronnie Dube says he will not resign over corruption allegations levelled against the local authority’s management and councillors.
Dube told <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/index.php/2022/10/26/victoria-falls-town-clerk-digs-in-says-wont-be-forced-to-resign/">VicFallsLive</a> that he will not quit over unproven corruption allegations.
This comes after Victoria Falls mayor Somvelo Dhlamini was arrested early this month on allegations of fraud.
Dhlamini was arrested after war veterans from Matabeleland North and Victoria Falls residents raided the town clerk’s office and force-marched him out demanding that he (Dube) step aside to allow for investigations into allegations of corruption levelled against him to be concluded first.
Residents allege that councillors and Dube sold a piece of land which had been set aside for a water, hygiene and sanitation project, for only US$4 million instead of the US$14 million which was agreed to by a full council meeting.
They further claimed that councillors and Dube shared US$400 000 that was paid as a bribe by the lowest bidder.
But Dube insists he is not going anywhere and will only speak about the allegations after ongoing investigations by various agencies are completed. He said:
<blockquote>
I have nothing really to say, but I will not be forced to resign because people have said things and judged me for corruption.
All I can say for now is I am watching the space because all these allegations have prompted various legal instruments to be put in by the central government, the police, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and a ministry of Local Government investigation team.
So let it be, let them come and let’s watch the space.
For all those allegations I will only be able to fully comment after all the investigations have been completed, but on the calibre of councillors, that is not my call.
It is the same people who are complaining that voted for them and the good thing is that we are having elections next year.
So they should start choosing councillors that would stand for their calls.
</blockquote>
In November 2021, Hwange magistrate Barbara Phiri dropped charges of criminal abuse of office against Dube after prosecutor Kudzai Mudzamiri made a verbal submission seeking to withdraw the charges before plea citing a lack of evidence.

Victoria Falls Town Clerk Refuses To Resign Over Corruption Allegations

Victoria Falls residents have called for a lifestyle audit for councillors and council management following allegations of corruption in the MDC Alliance-led city council.
The calls were made during a public meeting held at Chinotimba Hall on Friday.
The meeting, which was attended by more than 300 people, was convened by war veterans’ leadership from Matabeleland North to discuss the problems within Victoria Falls City council.
This follows the arrest of mayor Somvelo Dhlamini a week ago on fraud allegations.
Residents also claim that town clerk Ronnie Dube and other councillors were also involved in corrupt activities related to the parcelling out of commercial stands.
Speaking during the meeting, Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (VIFACORA) secretary general Trymore Ndolo said they have evidence against Dube and some councillors. He said:
<blockquote>
They sold our land for US$4.2 million, how can land depreciate from US$14 million?
I’ll be clear and straightforward, some of the councillors came to us as Vifacora to report that they told us that when stand 8300 (comes up for discussion) we should agree to the sale as there was going to be bribery money and they surely got US$ 400 000 and this is why they have been fighting against each other.
(Stand) 1811 is the size of a stadium and cannot be sold to a councillor, and that stand was valued at US$ 5 million.
We protested even to the mayor at a full council meeting resolution where we were called to endorse its sale in bond (RTGS) and we’ve got all the information.
The people, who were the masterminds (are known) and we queried how a stand worth US$ 5 million can be sold for $11 million.
So this is what residents have been arguing about and we are saying there should be a lifestyle audit of everyone involved in these corrupt deals.
</blockquote>
A resident, who spoke at the meeting, claimed that some councillors were now living in opulence yet a few years ago “they were selling sweets”. Said the resident:
The war veterans are accusing Dube of conniving with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to cover up his alleged corruption by engineering the mayor’s arrest. | <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/index.php/2022/10/16/victoria-falls-residents-demand-councillors-lifestyle-audit/">VicFallsLive</a>

Victoria Falls Residents Demand Councillors’ Lifestyle Audit

Victoria Falls City Council is planning to intensify water disconnections to force ratepayers to pay up their debts.
Town Clerk Ronnie Dube said the local authority is owed ZWL$500 million by residents and a 50 per cent discount promotion offered to residents was ignored.
Dube said because of defaults by residents, the local authority is struggling to buy water purification chemicals.
Victoria Falls City Council is getting ZWL$47 million per month in revenue against an approved expenditure of ZWL$90 million per month. Said, Dube:
<blockquote>
We offered the residents and commercial operators a deal of a 50 per cent discount and still, they are not coming through to pay.
We started off by disconnecting ( in February) those who had higher debts, but we have observed that they still don’t want to come and pay, and even those whose bills had lapsed over three months are still not coming so intensifying disconnections is the only option that we are left with.
</blockquote>
Dube urged ratepayers to ensure that they pay their bills in order for the local authority to continue providing uninterrupted service delivery.
Council records show that the local authority is collecting an average of about ZWL$47 182 044.42 per month.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/vic-falls-to-intensify-water-disconnections/">CITE</a></h4>

Victoria Falls To Intensify Water Disconnections

Suspended Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube has bounced back after a five-member commission of inquiry set up to investigate him on criminal abuse of office charges cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The commission comprised of former Victoria Falls mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane, ex-councillors Vusumuzi Moyo and Million Moyo, Hwange Rural District Council chief executive Phindile Ncube and lawyer Elvis Mashindi.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/06/20/suspended-victoria-falls-town-clerk-gets-windfall/">READ MORE: Suspended Victoria Falls Town Clerk Gets Windfall</a>
On Thursday, the commission presented its findings to the council. The local authority said in a statement:
<blockquote>Victoria Falls City Council Town Clerk Ronnie Dube has bounced back at the helm after being cleared of wrongdoing by a commission of inquiry, in a Special Full Council meeting held today 24 June 2021.
This comes after a litany of unfounded allegations were drawn against the seasoned leader, whose Local Governance experience spans from 1992 to date.
Council set up a five member-commission of inquiry to look into the allegations of misconduct levelled against the Town Clerk which made up of, the former Mayor and Alderman, former Councillors, a sitting Chief Executive Officer of a Local Authority, and a lawyer.
Following a week of investigations and deliberations on the issues brought before them, the commission recommended that Dube be cleared of all the charges since there was a paper trail of things being done above board.</blockquote>
Victoria Falls Mayor, Somvelo Dhlamini has reportedly written a letter to Dube advising him of his reinstatement.
Dube was arrested early last month and subsequently released on $50 000 bail on criminal abuse of office charges.
His suspension was briefly lifted by the Victoria Falls councillors before Local Government minister July Moyo verbally suspended him on 14 May.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/vic-falls-town-clerk-ronnie-dube-reinstated/">CITE</a></h4>

Victoria Falls Town Clerk, Ronnie Dube, Reinstated

The Victoria Falls City Council has resolved to pay suspended town clerk Ronnie Dube $200 000 in allowances, about $80 000 more than his basic salary.
Dube was arrested early last month and subsequently released on $50 000 bail on criminal abuse of office charges.
He was suspended on 28 April by mayor Somveli Dlamini on charges of gross incompetence, corruption, abuse of office and causing the local authority to lose revenue.
He was suspended without pay and other benefits pending investigations into charges against him.
However, councillors moved in and reversed the suspension while accusing their boss of not following procedure and carrying out unilateral decisions.
Dube was suspended for a second time on 14 May by Local Government Minister July Moyo.
According to the report of the full council meeting held on 1 June spilling over to the next day, Victoria Falls city fathers resolved to pay Dube $200 000 in allowances whilst on suspension. The report read in part:
<blockquote>The human resources official (HRO) advised the meeting that since council suspended the town clerk in terms of the Urban Council’s Act wherein there is no provision for the payment of a salary and benefits, but an allowance that council should fix, it would be a better option to proceed using the Urban Council’s Act.
For the sake of clarity, Section 139 subsection (5) stipulates that during the period of his suspension, he shall not be entitled to his salary or wages in respect of that period, but he may be paid such an allowance, not exceeding the amount of his salary or wages, as the council may fix.
A member wanted to know the town clerk’s salary so they could fix his allowance.
The HRO noted that the current basic salary is $115 337, 50 and the net is $226 319, 21.
A member proposed that the town clerk be given a flat allowance of $200 000 subject to tax.
The proposal was seconded. It was agreed that the town clerk’s suspension conditions be amended to allow suspension with a flat monthly allowance.</blockquote>
<h4>More:<a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2021/06/20/suspended-town-clerk-gets-windfall/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"> The Standard</a></h4>

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