Harare's 'cursed' office

The office of the Town Clerk at Harare City Council has long been mired in controversy, corruption scandals, and political infighting, leading to widespread mismanagement and plunder of council resources. Over the years, the position has become a hotbed of conflict between Town Clerks and elected officials, often split along political lines.

Since Tendai Mahachi's tenure, followed by acting Town Clerk Josephine Ncube and current officeholder Hosea Chisango, the Town Clerk's office has been at the center of chaos and allegations of corruption.

Mahachi was controversially fired in 2015 after serving on a lucrative US$37,000 monthly salary, supported by a team of 18 managers whose combined monthly wages topped US$500,000. His departure was mired in disputes, with Mahachi demanding hefty severance payments including a US$100,000 salary per year served, a Jeep Cherokee registered in his name, and a house in Harare's affluent suburbs. Other controversies included falsifying his date of birth to avoid retirement, alleged involvement in land scandals, ignoring council directives, and reporting directly to then-Minister of Local Government, Ignatius Chombo, bypassing council structures.

Mahachi's replacement was set to be James Mushore, a prominent banker viewed as politically neutral and professional. However, Mushore's appointment was fiercely opposed by then-Minister Savior Kasukuwere, Zanu PF's national political commissar at the time, who vowed Mushore would not lead Harare's administration "under his watch." Ultimately, Josephine Ncube, the Chamber Secretary, was appointed acting Town Clerk. Ncube herself faced accusations of financial mismanagement, suspension, and was implicated in a 2017 financial abuse case alongside former Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, with the matter still before the courts.

Hosea Chisango, a former director in the Water department and initially a favorite among councillors, succeeded Ncube. However, his tenure has also been overshadowed by corruption allegations unveiled during the presidentially mandated commission of inquiry into financial mismanagement at Town House. Multiple cases involving Chisango remain in court.

Political Interference and Lack of Professionalism

Blessing Duma, immediate past chairman of the council's Audit Committee, noted the persistent crisis surrounding the Town Clerk's office stems from appointing politicians rather than professionals to the role.

"The town clerk crisis is evident. Most candidates are politicians substituting professionalism with politics," Duma said. "There is also a tendency among policymakers to control the Town Clerk, which compromises independence. I believe the position should not be permanent but held by someone able to resist corruption pressure."

Duma advocated for appointing someone with a legal background, highlighting Dr. Prosper Chonzi, Director of Health, as an ideal candidate capable of maintaining order and professionalism, citing the well-managed Department of Health as a model.

Residents Concerned About Toxic Political Struggles

Residents and civic groups have expressed concern about the toxic political battles over the Town Clerk position. Reuben Akili, Director of the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), said:

"The Town Clerk role has become a strategic position for politicians. Some Town Clerks get embroiled in scandals because decisions are influenced by political interests. The local government board's involvement in recruitment adds to the frustrations, undermining local authorities' autonomy as envisioned in the Constitution."

Akili emphasized the need for candidates with strong administrative skills and legal knowledge, able to navigate a divided political landscape while delivering effective service.

Precious Shumba, Director of Harare Residents Trust, highlighted the complex dynamics the Town Clerk faces as the accounting officer interacting with ministers, councillors, and political factions.

"The Town Clerk must maintain professionalism and strong political connections. Those who fail to balance these demands lose support from key government offices and are often sidelined," Shumba said.

She added that professionals resisting political interference are frequently pressured or removed, pointing to the deeply politicized nature of the role requiring a delicate balance between political demands and service delivery.

The history of the Town Clerk's office at Harare City Council illustrates the critical need for reform to restore professionalism, transparency, and effective leadership-essential steps towards rebuilding trust and improving service delivery for Harare's residents.