KEY POINTS
- Chisango awarded a $9.2 million tender to a blacklisted company.
- ERP software issues caused delays in audits and budget approvals.
- Chisango extended his contract indefinitely without proper authorization.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has suspended town clerk Hosiah Chisango over allegations of misconduct, including awarding a street lighting contract to a blacklisted company and extending his contract without authorization.
The suspension took effect on Monday, Sept. 30.
Controversial $9.2 million tender sparks suspension
In July, authorities arrested Chisango on charges of illegally awarding a $9.2 million street lighting tender to controversial businessman Moses Mpofu, who is currently under custody for another failed scheme. On Sept. 17, authorities granted Chisango $500 bail, pending his trial on charges of criminal abuse of office.
In a letter reviewed by NewZimbabwe.com, Mafume cited multiple breaches of statutory regulations that could lead to financial losses for the council.
Mafume’s boss suspended him because he had reasonable suspicions that the employee had violated Section 4(a) of the National Code, S.I. 15 of 2006, which stipulates that any action or inaction that violates the terms of the employee’s contract, whether written down or not, is grounds for suspension.
He outlined several allegations, including that Chisango had “misconducted himself in the procurement and award of a tender for street lights to Jukula Enterprises, a blacklisted company with a history of breaching its obligations. Furthermore, the tender was awarded to a company owned by proprietors of blacklisted firms, potentially exposing the council to financial losses, despite this company not winning the tender.”
Mafume added, “In doing so, you have failed one of your primary duties as the accounting officer—to protect the council’s interests.”
Failures in ERP software lead to financial issues
In addition to the tender issues, Mafume criticized Chisango for failing to secure effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for managing the council’s billing and accounting systems over five years.
“As the accounting officer, you failed to secure effective ERP software and system support for the council’s billing and accounting systems for about five years. This failure resulted in delayed statutory audits, untimely budget approvals, and adverse reports by the Auditor General. Moreover, your mishandling of ERP procurement and tender processes led to multiple court challenges and negative publicity, putting the council’s reputation at risk,” Mafume added.
According to a report from NewZimbabwe, Chisango faces accusations of indefinitely extending his contract without the necessary authorization following its expiration in July 2023, adding to the controversy.
“You altered the council organogram by appointing senior officers to Grades 1, 2, and 3 without council authority or approval from the Local Governance Board, as required by Section 134(1) of the Urban Councils Act. Specifically, you promoted a senior official to Grade 1B and made additional appointments from Grade 4 to Grade 3 without proper approval, undermining both council and Local Government Board authority,” Mafume stated.
Mafume also accused Chisango of violating a June 2014 Ministry of Local Government directive by granting himself a contract without a time limit upon the expiration of his previous fixed-term contract in July 2023, without council or Local Government Board approval.
The suspension is with pay and other benefits.
“The mayor may instruct you not to attend the workplace or perform any duties during your suspension. The letter also requests that you refrain from interfering with council staff or other witnesses in the matter.”
