KEY POINTS
- Harare Councillor Takudzwa Dzumbunu was fined $300 for lying under oath about her academic qualifications.
- Dzumbunu admitted she didn’t complete her degree, reversing her earlier claim of holding it.
- The Commission of Inquiry highlighted concerns over qualification standards among Harare City Council officials.
Harare City Council’s Works and Town Planning chairperson, Takudzwa Dzumbunu, was fined $300 for lying about her academic credentials. Justice Maphios Cheda, leading a Commission of Inquiry into council conduct, imposed the fine. Dzumbunu initially claimed to hold a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Zimbabwe. However, she failed to produce this degree when asked by the commission in October, prompting a deeper investigation.
Newzimbabe.com reported that, the issue escalated when Dzumbunu admitted she didn’t hold the degree. “I had one course I did not complete, so I did not graduate,” she explained, apologizing for misleading the commission. Justice Cheda condemned the misrepresentation and issued a suspended sentence alongside the fine.
Admission of misleading testimony
During her October appearance, Dzumbunu faced intense questioning by lead investigator Thabani Mpofu. Under pressure, she confessed to making false statements about her academic qualifications. She explained that her failure to complete a required course prevented her from graduating. Her apology came after a previous contempt charge, which had led to brief detention at the old Makombe building.
Dzumbunu acknowledged her error, saying, “I would like to apologize for the misrepresentation.” She admitted she did not have the Public Administration degree she had previously claimed.
Inquiry raises concerns about council qualifications
Dzumbunu’s case has triggered wider concerns over the qualifications of Harare City Council officials. The Commission of Inquiry, led by Justice Cheda, has raised alarms over the council’s competence standards. This incident highlights a need for greater transparency and accountability among officials responsible for public governance.
Justice Cheda noted that as a public official, Dzumbunu is expected to uphold ethical standards. Her $300 fine includes a six-month suspended sentence, contingent on her adherence to the Commission of Inquiry Act for the next five years. The commission’s findings underscore the importance of stringent vetting within city government. This case signals a broader call for integrity within Harare City Council’s ranks, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability.
