Vusumuzi Dube
Vusumuzi Dube , Online News Editor
CONCERNS have been raised against possible conflict of interest after it emerged that a senior Tendy Three Investments (TTI) executive was recently elected as a Bulawayo councillor under the proportional representation quota.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and TTI entered into a partnership in 2021 that has seen the latter rolling out the parking management system throughout the Central Business District. Investigations by this publication have since revealed that Clr Mellissa Mabeza, who was elected on the Citizens Coalition for
Change (CCC) ticket in the proportional representation quota is infact the TTI human resource manager.
In an interview with this publication, she confirmed this position and revealed that she had no intentions of resigning from the company as she saw no conflict of interest in her position. However, councillors on Friday were briefed on TTI parking management system, where councillors grilled council management on the tender.
“Yes, I am with TTI and as far as our code of conduct is concerned there is nothing wrong with that as it states I have to state my interests beforehand and council then decides whether the matter being discussed is trivial or not for me to then recuse myself. However, I must emphasise that my interest in politics started well before I was employed by TTI, I have in the past contested in the elections so this is not something new for me and I see no conflict of interest,” said Clr Mabeza.
Questioned whether she expressed her interest when the issue was being discussed on Friday, Clr Mabeza said while she did not excuse herself from the meeting during the debate, she did not contribute.
“I kept quiet when the issue of TTI was being discussed, I did not leave the council chambers but was silent,” said the councillor.
However, a councillor who was part of briefing revealed that Clr Mabeza had not declared her interest as expected and sat through the debate.
“You can even confirm with the council minute takers, Clr Mabeza did not declare her interest at all. It becomes complicated in the sense that councillors have already called for an audit of the TTI tender and Clr Mabeza is the deputy chairperson of the audit committee,” said the councillor on condition of anonymity.
Sunday News also got in touch with the director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Mr Gabriel Masvora to get Government’s policy relating to the matter.
“In such a scenario, the interested councillor must declare her interest beforehand and this has to be noted so that it is ensured that she does not handle duties pertaining to that matter to avoid a conflict of interest. Whenever a matter arises relating to the issue she has interests in, she should immediately excuse herself from the chambers so that they can be no influence at all,” said Mr Masvora.
Online Reporter