Harare official under fire over workshops invite

A Harare City Council (HCC) official is facing disciplinary scrutiny for allegedly inviting a former executive, whose position was abolished by government, to official municipal workshops.

Amos Muguti, the acting head of policy, strategy and grants, is accused of extending multiple invitations to Matthew Marara, the former executive assistant to the town clerk. Marara's post was scrapped by the Ministry of Local Government, which also directed that his salary be stopped.

The matter came to light after Marara attended a workshop in Mutare, where he reportedly introduced himself as assistant town clerk. His presence immediately raised eyebrows, prompting Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume to demand answers on who had invited him.

Sources within Town House said Marara, despite not officially reporting for duty, had continued to receive a salary, further fuelling outrage among councillors and senior management.

Tensions reportedly boiled over at another council workshop in Kadoma, where Mafume is said to have publicly confronted Marara over his attendance. Witnesses claimed Marara allegedly tried to manhandle the mayor following the heated exchange.

An internal inquiry later established that Muguti was responsible for sending the invitations to Marara.

"It's true - it has been found out that Muguti was the one inviting Marara," a Town House source revealed.
"He's being accused of betraying council trust because he's believed to have been getting favours from Marara. Councillors are furious, especially since this involves ratepayers' money."

Contacted for comment, Muguti initially said he was driving and later stopped responding to calls.

Mayor Mafume, currently out of the country, also declined to comment in detail, saying:

"I will respond to the matter when I come back into the country; at the moment I can't comment."

The latest scandal adds to growing concerns over internal governance and accountability at Harare City Council, which has faced repeated allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities.