LSU vice-chancellor appointed caretaker

Clinton Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, has appointed Lupane State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pardon Kuipa and Lupane District Administrator Mrs Enert Sithole as caretakers at the Lupane Local Board following the dismissal of two businessmen from the board for alleged incompetence.

The two Lupane prominent businessmen, Mr Leonard Moyo and Mr Addie Mpofu who have been at the helm of the board for the past three years were relieved of their duties last month.

A copy of the letter dated 31 July 2017 from Minister Kasukuwere which Sunday News is in possession of states that the dismissal of the two was in the interest of promoting sound local governance in the Lupane Local Board area of jurisdiction.

“Consistent with the provisions of section 6(4)(b)(i) of the Urban Council Act (Chapter 29:15) and in accordance with the powers upon me as the Minister responsible for Local Government, I hereby recall you from the office of Caretaker for Lupane Local Board with immediate effect. Your removal is in the interest of promoting sound local governance in the Lupane Local Board area of jurisdiction,” reads the letter.

Like councillors, caretakers recommend and resolve development issues at committees and full council level. Their job description also covers social services, housing, road, technical services, environment issues, finance and human resources among other issues. Three people sit on the local board as caretakers. Lupane is being run as a local board as it is still to attain town status.

Contacted for comment, Mr Mpofu could neither confirm nor deny his ouster referring this reporter to the town secretary.

“I am not at liberty to make a comment, why don’t you contact the town secretary, Mr Charlton Moyo,” he said.

The town secretary, Mr Moyo said the two businessmen’s removal was probably because they were not competent enough as illustrated in their letter of dismissal.

“I think the minister removed them from the board because they were not competent enough. What I am trying to say is that he probably saw that they were not doing well and that might be the reason why he fired them,” said Mr Moyo.

Prof Kuipa and Mrs Sithole will be sworn into their new posts this week.