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Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
Former NMB chief executive Mr James Mushore allegedly signed an employment contract before a council resolution confirming his appointment as Harare’s new town clerk, The Herald can exclusively reveal.

However, the city denies the allegations saying he signed soon after a full council meeting that resolved to hire him.

Government rescinded Mr Mushore’s appointment soon after the council announcement accusing the city of flouting procedures as laid down in the Urban Councils Act.

A Town House source revealed to The Herald yesterday that the announcement by council last Friday was just a formality since Mr Mushore had already penned his employment contract.

“He signed the contract way before the council meeting. The meeting was just rubber-stamping a decision that was made way back. The interviews were just a formality, it was Mushore’s job.”

Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, however, said the contract was signed after the Friday full council meeting.

“He signed on March 24 straight after full council. The contract has not been revoked.”

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday said he was baffled by reports that Mr Mushore signed the contract within time of the resolution.

“We are watching the matter with keen interest. We will make a decision if things go out of hand. We will not let the interest of the city to be compromised by selfish interests. They (councillors) should avoid walking on eggs,” he said.

The Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ministry is reportedly in the process of investigating the circumstances under which Mr Mushore left NMB after a whistleblower alerted the ministry on some irregular behaviour centred on fraud.

In terms of Section 132 (1) of the Urban Councils Act council was supposed to only appoint a town clerk after they had received an approved candidate from the Local Government Board.

However, council was of the view that it was empowered to appoint a town clerk although Acting Town Clerk Dr Prosper Chonzi, had advised that if the city appoints a person without first recommending three best candidates in order of their rating to the Local Government Board, it would be ultra vires the Urban Councils Act.

It is not clear what councillors would discuss in today’s meeting after having already handed Mr Mushore a contract as cancelling it would attract a lawsuit.

The city carried out controversial interviews a fortnight ago which included psychometric tests and it was reported that some of the city’s directors who applied for the job were not invited for interviews.

Mr Mushore emerged the winner with 142 points followed by Eng Jacob Mtisi (98) points while former diplomat Mr Godfrey Pasipanodya managed 81 points.

Mayor Manyenyeni is also under fire for allegedly protecting finance director Mr Justin Mandizha who is blamed for worsening the salary arrears.

Clr Manyenyeni, however, denied the allegations saying he was not responsible for his employment.