Tension filled the air at the Harare Town House on Tuesday as suspended town clerk Hosiah Chisango made an unexpected appearance at an ordinary council sitting. Despite being barred from entering the workplace following a suspension enacted by Mayor Jacob Mafume, Chisango’s presence sparked confusion among councillors and prompted media personnel to be removed from the chambers as the mayor sought to regain control of the situation.
Chisango’s suspension, which came on the heels of serious allegations including the improper awarding of a street lighting tender to a blacklisted company owned by Moses Mpofu, has raised significant concerns. Additionally, he faces accusations of renewing his contract without necessary authorization. This comes after his arrest in July on charges of corruption and abuse of office, from which he is currently out on bail.
In a statement following the chaotic council meeting, Mayor Mafume reaffirmed Chisango’s suspension, highlighting the seriousness of the procurement issues at hand. “As you are aware, in terms of the Urban Councils Act, when I take action against the town clerk, I am required to notify the council… We have proceeded to use that section to suspend the town clerk,” Mafume explained, noting that Chisango had been informed of his suspension.
The allegations against Chisango include awarding open-ended contracts to himself and Mathew Marara without council approval, further complicating the council’s already tumultuous governance landscape. Chisango’s name has frequently emerged in the ongoing Justice Maphios Cheda Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating the operations of the City Council since 2017.
In Chisango’s absence, Mabhena Moyo has stepped in as acting town clerk, as the council attempts to navigate the fallout from these serious allegations. The incident underscores the growing tensions within Harare’s local government, which continues to grapple with accountability and governance issues amid persistent corruption investigations.
In other news – Zodwa Wabantu stands firm, refuses to refund club owner amid dispute
South African socialite Zodwa Wabantu is at the center of controversy after club owner Stenga Shabangu alleged she failed to show up for a scheduled performance at Stengas Place in Daveyton on September 7. According to Stenga, he paid Zodwa R13,000 for the appearance, but her absence led to disappointment and unrest among fans eager to see her perform.
Stenga expressed his frustration in an interview with the Daily Sun, stating that her no-show left him with significant losses. “I’m hurt she did this to me. What hurts me more is she didn’t communicate with us that she won’t be available,” he said. Read More
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