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Municipal Reporter
Gweru City Council is seeking a town clerk to replace Mr Daniel Matawu who was fired last week after being found guilty of 15 counts of gross incompetence and neglecting his duties.

Mr Matawu has since appealed to the Labour Court to set aside the decision to terminate his contract on the recommendation of a disciplinary committee headed by former Bulawayo town clerk, Mr Moffat Ndlovu.

Gweru says it is seeking a candidate responsible for the proper administration and effective management of council operations, resources and supervision and controlling of council employees.

“The position requires a person with proven skills in strategic planning and management, and must have the ability to plan and manage change.

“A proven track record in corporate management of a large organisation preferably in the broad area of local government and able to demonstrate excellent organisational and inter-personal skills.

“The key result area is to provide leadership and strategic direction to management and ensure effective interfacing with councillors and other key stakeholders,” read the job advertisement flighted by the council.

The move, however, is likely to trigger a lawsuit from Mr Mutawu who is challenging his dismissal at the Labour Court.

Announcing Mr Matawu’s sacking last week, the chairperson of the commission running the affairs of Gweru, Mr Tsunga Mhangami, said Mr Matawu was facing 29 counts grouped in four sections, which include gross incompetence, inefficiency in the performance of work, substantial neglect of duties and conduct or omission inconsistent with the fulfilment of express or implied conditions of employment.

He said the troubled council was progressing like an unguided missile heading for disaster.

“A board of inquiry was appointed to look into the allegations, which Mr Matawu was facing and it recommended that he be fired.

“So we wrote to the Local Authority Board, which replied giving us the go-ahead to terminate his contract with effect from January 16, the day he was suspended,” he said.

The inquiry was carried out after Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere instructed the commission to dismiss all people facing allegations of corruption and misappropriation of council funds.

In May this year, Gweru provincial magistrate, Mrs Phathekile Msipa, removed Mr Matawu who stood accused of criminal abuse of office, theft and fraud involving $8 733 together with Gweru Mayor Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi, from remand.

On removing the duo from remand, Mrs Msipa said the State was not forthcoming with a trial date meaning it was not ready to prosecute them.