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Mrs Ncube

Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
HARARE City Council is on collision course with its parent ministry — Local Government, Public Works and National Housing — after it shortlisted a banker with no local government experience fo the post of Harare town clerk.

Former NMB chief executive Mr James Mushore leads the race to replace ousted town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi if his name is approved by the Local Government Board.

However, the ministry has made it clear it wants someone with local government experience to be at the helm of the capital, with the ministry’s permanent secretary, Eng George Mlilo, tipping Acting Town Clerk Mrs Josephine Ncube to replace Dr Mahachi.

The city carried out interviews a fortnight ago which included psychometric tests. It is reported that some of the city’s directors who applied for the job were not invited for interviews while Mrs Ncube was not among the top three candidates.

The Harare Residents’ Trust was part of the panel of interviewers who included council’s committee chairpersons, former mayor Muchadeyi Masunda and two representatives of Harare residents.

“The list of candidates was whittled down to 20 from 145 and finally eight candidates were shortlisted for interviews on Friday March 4, 2016, which the Harare Residents’ Trust witnessed, and participated in.

“The eight shortlisted candidates are herein identified: Mrs Josephine Ncube (nee Chigonda), Mr James Andrew Mushore, Mr Godfrey Pasipanodya, Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi, Dr Charles Makono, Mr Shangwa Mavesera, Mr Psychology Chiwanga and Dr Tapiwa Mashakada (absent),” Harare Residents Trust said in a statement.

Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni said the process started with 24 candidates and a shortlist of seven people.

“All this was done by a third party to ensure credibility that is why names were released at the last minute. Some outcomes do not favour individuals. It was not designed to give the mayor a town clerk.

“We needed to employ the correct person for the job. As mayor I am just playing my part,” he said.

The city said it was looking for a competent game changer to occupy one of the top chief executive positions in Zimbabwe, managing annual budgets in excess of $300 million.

“Council needs a fresh inspiring look for many of its operations. The ideal candidates will have at least a first degree in a relevant field of study and no less than 10 years senior management experience with relevant institutions. Previous experience in local government will be an asset, but is not a requirement,” read part of the advert inserted by Mr Manye- nyeni.

Mr Manyenyeni said the remuneration for the position would be a salary and benefits package amounting to $10 475 per month.

He said the successful candidate should be a very sound professional who can commit to successfully dealing with many stubborn and sometimes competing realities of the city with its diverse influences, constituencies and expectations.