Mnangagwa extends Harare probe team's tenure

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the tenure of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the governance of Harare City Council (HCC) by three months, allowing it more time to complete its probe and submit its findings. Initially set up on May 10 with a six-month mandate, the Commission now has until early February next year to finish its work and is expected to report back to the President by early May.

Led by retired High Court judge Justice Maphios Cheda, the Commission was established under the Commission of Inquiry Act and granted an optional three-month extension, which President Mnangagwa has now exercised, as outlined in Proclamation 5 of 2024, gazetted through Statutory Instrument 180 of 2024.

The Commission includes local government specialists Steven Chakaipa, Lucia Gladys Matibenga, Khonzani Ncube, and Tafadzwa Charles Hungwe, a Harare-based lawyer who replaced Norbert Phiri in July. The Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works acts as the Commission's secretary, facilitating support from the Ministry.

Among its key responsibilities, the Commission is tasked with examining HCC's financial management practices and audit compliance, especially regarding special-purpose companies like Rufaro Marketing, which manages council-owned properties, and City Parking, which oversees public street parking. Although expected to generate substantial revenue, these entities do not publicly disclose their accounts, raising concerns over transparency and financial accountability.

The inquiry also aims to address concerns raised by the Auditor-General, who criticized HCC's lack of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system since 2019. The absence of such a system has complicated efforts to track city revenue and determine whether funds have been misappropriated. Additionally, the Commission will investigate the sale, lease, and transfer of HCC properties to private entities, scrutinizing procedures for selling land and renting commercial spaces.

Beyond financial matters, the Commission has a broader mandate to examine council meeting protocols, procurement practices, and compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. President Mnangagwa granted the Commission wide-ranging investigative authority, including the power to summon witnesses, review documents, and conduct site visits. All individuals approached by the Commission are legally required to provide information or documents requested.

Since its formation, the Commission has conducted extensive evidence-gathering, including public hearings with councillors and officials. These sessions have sparked considerable public interest, shedding light on the council's management practices and raising awareness of governance issues within HCC.

The extension allows the Commission to deepen its investigation, which many hope will result in improved transparency and accountability in Harare's municipal governance.