News / National
Pay cut for Harare bigwigs
3 hrs ago |
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Tensions at Harare City Council escalated this week amid reports that a senior council official, Mathew Marara, allegedly attempted to manhandle Mayor Jacob Mafume during a heated dispute over pay cuts and the scrapping of Marara's controversial position.
The dispute stems from a council decision to reduce salaries for top executives. Marara's role as "executive assistant town clerk" was formally scrapped by the Ministry of Local Government, leading to the cessation of his salary. Sources say Marara had not been reporting for work, despite continuing to receive pay.
The drama first surfaced two weeks ago at a strategic workshop in Mutare, where Marara attended and introduced himself as the assistant to the town clerk. Mayor Mafume publicly questioned his presence, noting that the position was no longer recognised.
Tensions reached a peak last week at a follow-up workshop in Kadoma. After Mafume reprimanded Marara during the meeting, the official allegedly followed the mayor and tried to physically confront him. Councillors present intervened to calm the situation. Marara later apologised for the fracas, according to sources.
Mayor Mafume confirmed the incident, stating, "It's true the Local Government ministry has reduced the salaries of top executives, and regarding Marara, his position as the executive assistant to the town clerk has been scrapped by the government."
Marara could not be reached for comment.
This is not Marara's first brush with controversy. Two years ago, he was accused of forging documents to create the lucrative position of executive assistant town clerk without proper approval. The role earned him a salary only 10% less than that of the town clerk. He was also questioned during a commission of inquiry over a US$329 000 compensation payout following a 2020 suspension linked to corruption allegations regarding residential stands.
The latest incident underscores ongoing tensions within the Harare City Council as the administration implements structural and financial reforms for its senior executives.
The dispute stems from a council decision to reduce salaries for top executives. Marara's role as "executive assistant town clerk" was formally scrapped by the Ministry of Local Government, leading to the cessation of his salary. Sources say Marara had not been reporting for work, despite continuing to receive pay.
The drama first surfaced two weeks ago at a strategic workshop in Mutare, where Marara attended and introduced himself as the assistant to the town clerk. Mayor Mafume publicly questioned his presence, noting that the position was no longer recognised.
Tensions reached a peak last week at a follow-up workshop in Kadoma. After Mafume reprimanded Marara during the meeting, the official allegedly followed the mayor and tried to physically confront him. Councillors present intervened to calm the situation. Marara later apologised for the fracas, according to sources.
Mayor Mafume confirmed the incident, stating, "It's true the Local Government ministry has reduced the salaries of top executives, and regarding Marara, his position as the executive assistant to the town clerk has been scrapped by the government."
Marara could not be reached for comment.
This is not Marara's first brush with controversy. Two years ago, he was accused of forging documents to create the lucrative position of executive assistant town clerk without proper approval. The role earned him a salary only 10% less than that of the town clerk. He was also questioned during a commission of inquiry over a US$329 000 compensation payout following a 2020 suspension linked to corruption allegations regarding residential stands.
The latest incident underscores ongoing tensions within the Harare City Council as the administration implements structural and financial reforms for its senior executives.
Source - The Standard
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