MDC-T disowns troubled Harare Town Clerk

Opposition MDC-T has disowned embattled Harare town clerk, James Mushore saying he is not a party member.

MDC-T Secretary for Local Government Eddie Cross issued a statement on Thursday saying "The MDC does not know what Mr. Mushore's political affiliations are and is not interested to know."

"In terms of the Constitution he is required to be non Partisan".

The statement seem to suggest that Mushore is not an MDC-T member.

For the past two months, Harare has had two town clerks as Josephine Ncube continued to act, while Mushore was also reporting for duty.

Council offered Mushore the hot seat after he beat 140 other candidates in interviews carried out by various stakeholders, who included residents, councillors and human resources experts.

But his appointment was marred by controversy, as Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere claimed mayor Bernard Manyenyeni had not followed laid down procedures.

Kasukuwere has since suspended Manyenyeni on allegations of disregarding his directive not to appoint Mushore without approval from government.

Cross added that councils affairs are now in a shambles due to Kasukuwere's interference.

However, he said Mushore is the best man for the job.

"It must be noted that the selection and appointment of the Town Clerk, Mr. James Mushore, took place after a lengthy process which involved advertising the vacancy and inviting applications, the professional short listing of suitably qualified applicants and then interviews conducted by a panel drawn from the Council and a professional human resources firm.

" In the final process it was clear that Mr. Mushore was the best candidate, by far, and the Council subsequently agreed to appoint him as Town Clerk".