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Dr Mahachi

Nyemudzai Kakore Herald Correspondent
A record 140 people are vying for the Harare Town Clerk’s position that fell vacant in August following the ouster of Dr Tendai Mahachi. The city advertised the post last month. Harare City chamber secretary, Mrs Josephine Ncube, has been acting town clerk.

In the advert, Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni said the successful candidate should be a very sound professional who would commit to successfully dealing with stubborn, sometimes competing, realities of the city with its diverse influences, constituencies and expectations.

Clr Manyenyeni confirmed yesterday that over 140 people wanted the job and interviews would be carried out next month, with the incumbent expected to be in office by February.

“The response has been overwhelming as many people applied for the position, but 140 applicants were taken for consideration,” he said.

“We expect all the processes to be concluded in a month’s time as council will follow all the process as outlined and applications are now closed.”

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

In the advert, the mayor said: “Pursuant to the succession planning in the executive leadership of Harare City Council, His Worship the Mayor of Harare is inviting applications for the position of Town Clerk-Designate. The city is looking for a competent game changer to occupy one of the top CEO 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.”

The latest events will no doubt lead to a legal dispute between council and Dr Mahachi who recently approached the Labour Court seeking an order compelling the city to reinstate him on full salary and benefits until his five year contract expires in 2018.

Clr Manyenyeni, however, said council would go ahead with its plans.

“That process stops nothing, council will move on in spite of all these desperate manoeuvres. I am leading the process as agreed on by council,” he said.

Harare will retire Dr Mahachi from service after he attains 65 years on December 31 this year following protracted exit package negotiations after he was sent on forced leave in July for reportedly stalling the city’s succession plan.

Dr Mahachi claims he turns 59 this year while the city argues he is turning 65.