News / National
Harare councillors push for Town Clerk's assistant to be fired
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Harare city councillors have reportedly resolved to dismiss Matthew Marara, the executive assistant to the town clerk, amid allegations that he exposed irregularities during testimony before the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the city's financial affairs.
The commission, appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and led by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda, is probing the capital's financial management systems and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act. It is also investigating revenue streams generated through special vehicle companies and private partnership arrangements.
Acting town clerk Phakhamile Mabhena Moyo revealed details about Marara's attempted suspension while testifying before the commission earlier this week. Moyo was questioned about a letter dated January 24, 2025, suspending Marara, which was submitted as evidence.
Moyo admitted he had refused to sign the suspension letter, citing its ambiguous wording and suspicious timing.
"I did not sign the suspension letter because I felt that the timing was suspicious and the resolution was ambiguous," Moyo told the commission.
He explained that the council had passed a resolution in December related to the results of a job evaluation for grades 1, 2, and 3. However, the resolution did not clearly outline actions to be taken regarding employees in those grades.
"The resolution was not clear. It was not clear what line of action the executive had to take in terms of workers and staff members who were in those grades," Moyo added.
He also highlighted that the letter instructing Marara's suspension lacked clarity.
The commission's evidence leader, Tapiwa Godzi, pressed Moyo to clarify on whose authority the city's human capital director, Bozman Matengarufu, wrote the suspension letter.
Moyo responded that Matengarufu had been pressured by councillors and members of the Human Resources Committee, possibly including the mayor.
"Matengarufu told me that the mayor and councillors were saying that Marara must be removed because there is no place for him to go back to," Moyo said.
Moyo further noted that councillors had resolved that some directors revert to their previous positions and grades, which may have influenced the attempt to suspend Marara.
Meanwhile, Marara testified before the Commission of Inquiry in a closed session earlier this week. It is believed that he sought the closed-door session to share sensitive information, including details surrounding the latest move to suspend him.
The inquiry is expected to continue scrutinizing Harare City Council's financial practices and governance issues as revelations of internal disputes and irregularities come to light.
The commission, appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and led by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda, is probing the capital's financial management systems and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act. It is also investigating revenue streams generated through special vehicle companies and private partnership arrangements.
Acting town clerk Phakhamile Mabhena Moyo revealed details about Marara's attempted suspension while testifying before the commission earlier this week. Moyo was questioned about a letter dated January 24, 2025, suspending Marara, which was submitted as evidence.
Moyo admitted he had refused to sign the suspension letter, citing its ambiguous wording and suspicious timing.
"I did not sign the suspension letter because I felt that the timing was suspicious and the resolution was ambiguous," Moyo told the commission.
He explained that the council had passed a resolution in December related to the results of a job evaluation for grades 1, 2, and 3. However, the resolution did not clearly outline actions to be taken regarding employees in those grades.
"The resolution was not clear. It was not clear what line of action the executive had to take in terms of workers and staff members who were in those grades," Moyo added.
The commission's evidence leader, Tapiwa Godzi, pressed Moyo to clarify on whose authority the city's human capital director, Bozman Matengarufu, wrote the suspension letter.
Moyo responded that Matengarufu had been pressured by councillors and members of the Human Resources Committee, possibly including the mayor.
"Matengarufu told me that the mayor and councillors were saying that Marara must be removed because there is no place for him to go back to," Moyo said.
Moyo further noted that councillors had resolved that some directors revert to their previous positions and grades, which may have influenced the attempt to suspend Marara.
Meanwhile, Marara testified before the Commission of Inquiry in a closed session earlier this week. It is believed that he sought the closed-door session to share sensitive information, including details surrounding the latest move to suspend him.
The inquiry is expected to continue scrutinizing Harare City Council's financial practices and governance issues as revelations of internal disputes and irregularities come to light.
Source - online
