Zanu-PF govt sanctions Manyenyeni's return

Government has sanctioned the return of Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni to Town House after failing to set up an independent tribunal to try him for violating Sections of the Urban Councils Act.

Clr Manyenyeni was suspended from office by Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Saviour Kasukuwere on March 20 this year, pending an investigation into his conduct after he employed banker Mr James Mushore as town clerk without Local Government Board's approval.

Government argued that the appointment of Mr Mushore violated the Urban Councils Act.

Acting Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has since written a letter to Clr Manyenyeni informing him that Government had lifted his suspension as both Mayor of Harare and Mount Pleasant councillor.

Clr Manyenyeni, who reported for duty at Town House yesterday confirmed receiving a letter from Prof Moyo.

"I can confirm that I received a letter from the Acting Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Professor Jonathan Moyo informing me that the ministry had lifted my suspension," he said.

Clr Manyenyeni said no reasons were proffered by Prof Moyo in the letter.

"There is a lot that needs to be done. I am happy to be leading council again.

"The confusion of the last 45 days is regrettable," he said.

Prof Moyo confirmed Mayor Manyenyeni's reinstatement.

"I write further to Honourable Kasukuwere's minutes dated 20 April, 2016 which suspended you as councillor for Ward 17 and from the office of Mayor of the City of Harare. Please note that this serves to reinstate you as Mayor of the City of Harare and Councillor for Ward 17 with effect from 7 June, 2016," said Prof Moyo.

The Government position, however, does not decide the fate of Mr Mushore, who continues to report for work despite council disapproval.

Minister Kasukuwere is on record saying Mr Mushore has no place at Town House because he did not complete the employment process while Clr Christopher Mbanga, who acted during Mayor Manyenyeni's suspension said Mrs Josephine Ncube was in charge of the local authority.

When Clr Manyenyeni was suspended in March this year, he filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking nullification of the suspension.

He sought an order directing his reinstatement to the post with full pay and benefits and he also wanted the court to bar Minister Kasukuwere from interfering with his operations as Mayor of Harare.

Dismissing Clr Manyenyeni's urgent chamber application, Justice Mary Dube said in terms of the law the minister was only empowered to suspend a mayor, but removal from office required the appointment of an independent tribunal to determine the matter.

The judge advised Clr Manyenyeni to wait for his hearing within 45 days from the suspension date saying if an independent tribunal is not in place in terms of the Constitution within 45 days of the suspension of the matter then he would be entitled to reinstatement.

"Applicant will be entitled to be released from suspension by operation of law," she said.

Clr Manyenyeni said he was "looking forward to completing God's assignment".