Government reverses suspension of Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube! The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has directed the Victoria Falls City Council Mayor, Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo, to reverse the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube. The suspension, which occurred on December 2, 2024, has been deemed unprocedural by the minister, who called for immediate action to rescind the council’s resolution.
Minister’s Directive
In a letter dated December 6, 2024, Minister Garwe addressed Councillor Moyo, outlining his concerns regarding the suspension. He criticized the council’s handling of the matter and highlighted discrepancies in the procedures followed. The minister wrote:
“It has come to my attention that you suspended the Town Clerk Mr. Ronnie Dube on 2 December 2024. On 3 December 2024, council convened a special full council meeting for ratification of the Town Clerk’s suspension. I have noted that the resolution which council made is not in line with Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act by constituting two bodies of inquiry which will financially prejudice the council.”
Minister Garwe further pointed out that the decision to pay the suspended Town Clerk allowances during the suspension period lacked support from any formal council policy.
Concerns About Public Interest
Minister Garwe underscored his belief that the council’s resolution was not in the best interests of the community, stating:
“The resolution of the council is not in the interest of the inhabitants of the council area considered and or public interest, who are the taxpayers of the council.”
Invoking Section 314 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], the minister directed the council to rescind its decision immediately, ensuring compliance with the stipulated legal and procedural frameworks.
Background on the Suspension
Town Clerk Ronnie Dube was suspended on Monday, December 2, following allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The council formally endorsed the suspension during a full council meeting the following day. The suspension, which was initially set for 14 days, was intended to allow for an investigation into the allegations, with a final decision expected based on the findings.
Councillor Moyo, the Mayor of Victoria Falls, explained that the suspension stemmed from multiple complaints regarding Dube’s alleged involvement in the illegal allocation of land. Moyo stated that the decision to suspend Dube was made in the interest of ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of council operations.
Allegations Against Dube
The allegations against Ronnie Dube primarily revolve around corruption and land allocation malpractice. Reports suggest that several complaints had been lodged with the council, prompting the need for an investigation into his conduct. These allegations have raised concerns about governance and ethical practices within the city council.
Minister’s Intervention and Implications
Minister Garwe’s intervention has brought the matter into the spotlight, raising questions about the autonomy of local government bodies and their adherence to legal procedures. The directive to reverse the suspension could have broader implications for governance and oversight within urban councils.
The minister’s insistence on following the Urban Councils Act highlights the importance of procedural fairness and the need to ensure that council decisions align with the interests of residents. The financial implications of the council’s resolution, including the establishment of two inquiry bodies and the payment of allowances, have also drawn scrutiny, with the minister emphasizing fiscal responsibility.
What Happens Next?
With the directive from Minister Garwe, the Victoria Falls City Council is expected to reverse its decision regarding Dube’s suspension. This development may pave the way for a reassessment of the allegations and the processes used to address them. It also places a spotlight on the council’s governance and its ability to handle sensitive matters transparently and lawfully.
Broader Implications
The incident underscores the challenges faced by local government institutions in navigating issues of accountability and public trust. It also highlights the critical role of the Ministry of Local Government in ensuring that councils operate within the framework of the law while prioritizing the needs of residents.
As the investigation into Ronnie Dube’s alleged misconduct continues, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of procedural integrity and the need for local governments to maintain transparency and fairness in their operations.
