Manyenyeni done exceptionally well

One thing I have observed with the current mayor of Harare Bernard Manyenyeni he is a professional guy who does his things in a professional way. In fact as MINDS we promote professionalism in all private and public institutions. Our role on governance matters is to promote transparency and professionalism. I took part in the state of the city address and this programme was done in a more and professional way. I'm going to outline things that the mayor pointed out that made some of the things successful and also failures at the same time. This meeting was worthy attending because it was not a political meeting but rather it was an update on the state of the affairs of the nation. Harare has become the centre of power due to economic, social development and it is the centre of tourism and attraction as well.

Budgets

The mayor bemoaned the issue of budgets. The council's revenues compared to the current expenditure we are really in danger zone and at the same time, salaries and wages have consumed much of the revenue making it difficult for the day to day running of the council business. Most of the revenue are going to ZINARA and as we speak ZINARA is not accountable for most of the funds. I think there is need for decentralization of power and at the same time the issue of devolution should be implemented urgently.

Transparency

Bernard Manyenyeni is one of the guys who has done exceptionally very well as far as transparency is concerned. If you see people trying to push people like Manyenyeni out then you should know the reasons behind that. He will leave council chambers with clean hands. This is what we have been advocating as a nation to urge people in strategic positions, and positions of influence to be transparent and accountable for public resources.

Service Delivery

Most of the people in general they complain citing the issue of service delivery but the mayor has made it clear that one of the major challenges is finance and accountability. The wage bill is too big to an extend that more than 65% of the council revenue is being consumed by wage bill. So what can be really done with such matters? The first one will be to downsize staff and give them packages so that the wage bill will be reduced. The other issue will be to venture into projects that can sustain the council, coming up with new incoming generating schemes and at the same time, having internal controls and cutting expenditure. There is also need for council to clean up the mess.

Infrastructural Development

The mayor bemoaned the lack of proper infrastructure. There is need for a proper budget to come up with good propositions. Look Harare is the heart of Zimbabwe were most of the business usually takes place, and it is the centre of attraction and there is need to improve our standards and at the same time to have clear objectives. Most of our buildings in town they need renovation because they are too old and they pose a danger to the public and tourists. There is also need for the city of Harare to look further on the issue of improper structures, or shacks and illegal structures around Harare. The local Government ministry and city of Harare should come up with a manageable housing policy document that should be followed consistently.

Re-Engangement Plan

In every economic plan and objectives there is need for a re- engagement plan with investors and international community. We are in this worst era because we do not have capital injection as an economy, bad policies and governance. What the Government through the ministry of Local Government and Harare city council is to come up with a plan to engange Diasporas who can invest in the city of Harare and at the same time approach donors who can assist financially or who may want to partner with the city of Harare. But remember all investors are worried about the political environment and at the same time the issue of property rights and protection of investments.

Partnership With Stakeholders

If one wants any organization to be successful there is need to involve all stakeholders to build a strong institution. You cannot go it alone, every successful manager is supposed to involve other stakeholders for you to be a successful person, and this is what Manyenyeni has managed to do. In leadership you need to consult and involve others for their inputs and contributions.

Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo heads Mentorship Institute of National Development and Sustainability. He is also a development consultant and analyst. He can be contacted at greatorminds@gmail.com