Hunt for new town clerk begins

Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
Harare City Council is searching for a new town clerk to replace Dr Tendai Mahachi who retires next month.

“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,” reads part of the advert inserted by Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni.

He 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 would commit to successfully dealing with stubborn, sometimes competing, realities of the city with its diverse influences, constituencies and expectations.

Harare, Mayor Manyenyeni said, looked forward to a transparent and credible selection process, adding canvassing would lead to disqualification.

The city recently offered Dr Mahachi a $150 000 retirement package and an option to buy his Toyota VX Land Cruiser at book value for his contribution and service to the city.

He was told to surrender the water project vehicle, a Land Rover Discovery 4, which is in his possession.

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 then offered to leave council and was in the process of negotiating an exit package with the city.

The latest events will no doubt lead to a legal dispute as the two parties do not agree on the ousted town clerk’s age.

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

Acting Town Clerk Mrs Josephine Ncube and directors Dr Cainos Chingombe and Dr Prosper Chonzi are vying for the position although Mayor Manyenyeni has extended the catchment area beyond council.