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Dr Mahachi

Nyemudzai Kakore-Herald Correspondent
Harare Mayor Councillor Bernard Manyenyeni has appointed a four-member committee to discuss an exit package for ousted Town Clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi following council’s failure to dismiss him on three months’ notice. The committee is chaired by Councillor Enock Mupamaonde.

In an interview, Clr Manyenyeni said he had decided not to deal with the matter himself because of allegations that he had beef with Dr Mahachi. “I have set up a four-man committee of councillors to discuss the exit terms of Dr Mahachi,” said Clr Manyenyeni.

“We expect the results this week as the committee is making the negotiations between council and the former Town Clerk smoother by eliminating the hostile relationship created recently,” he said.

Clr Mupamaonde said talks were in progress with Dr Mahachi’s lawyers, but could not shed light on the details.

IN THE NEWS: DR TENDAI MAHACHI

• Mahachi contests ouster

• Mahachi seeks reinstatement

• Windfall for ousted Mahachi

• Mahachi must come down his high horse

• Mahachi’s employment contract disappears

• Mahachi fired on 3 months’ notice

• Workers unions scoff at Mahachi demands

“Deliberations are still in progress and we cannot engage the issue of Dr Mahachi through the media. It is unethical. You will come to know of the outcome at the specified time frame,” said Clr Mupamaonde.

The latest development comes after Dr Mahachi contested his ouster last week.

Dr Mahachi was sent on indefinite forced leave for reportedly stalling the city’s succession plan and rationalisation of executive salaries, among other issues, before council took a decision to terminate his contract a fortnight ago.

He demanded a golden handshake from the city and among his 22 demands was a mansion in Belvedere and two top of the range vehicles.

He also wanted to be paid more than $100 000 for every year he served the city.

Dr Mahachi joined council in 2007.

When council rejected his demands he approached the High Court seeking an order compelling the city to reinstate him arguing council had not involved the Local Government Board in terminating his contract.

In the application, Dr Mahachi argued Section 139 (2) of the Urban Councils’ Act required that prior to the termination of a contract of employment in respect of a town clerk, the Local Government Board approve the decision.