HARARE City Council (HCC) is yet to set up a committee to deliberate on the exit package of former town clerk Hosiah Chisango.
Chisango resigned last week and mayor Jacob Mafume said a committee would be set up to determine his exit package.
Chisango’s letter, presented by his lawyers Lunga Mazikana Attorneys, announcing his resignation, was read out in a full council meeting last week.
“After careful consideration and in light of circumstances discussed, our client has considered a mutual termination of employment contract,” part of the letter read.
“We believe this approach will facilitate a smooth transition of both Chisango and the city, allowing for an amicable resolution that serves the interests of all parties involved.”
Chisango attracted controversy after it emerged that he was earning a staggering US$27 000 per month despite poor service delivery.
He was also implicated in alleged corrupt dealings involving his assistant Matthew Marara and other senior executives.
“Chisango wants a golden handshake,” a council insider said.
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“It’s, however, puzzling because he was earning a hefty salary, among other lucrative perks, when council is failing to pay workers.
“Council is struggling like never before.”
Chisango and Marara were also accused of changing the grades of senior officials close to them to justify hefty packages given to them and their associates.
The pair also allegedly changed their grades, with Marara giving himself a grade equal to the town clerk’s.
“Marara and Chisango abused the national employment council to approve grades, which are not within its jurisdiction,” a council source said.
“Chisango threw his close friends under the bus, because they did not want him to resign so that they maintain the status quo. It was a cabal which was working together.
“However, Chisango had no option but to resign because he was advised of the repercussions of clinging to his position.”
A commission of inquiry appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year to investigate council operations exposed gross mismanagement and corruption at the Harare Town House.
Its full report is expected to be submitted to Mnangagwa soon.
Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said council executives let down residents through poor service delivery.
“Residents have been let down by council as these greedy senior managers just think of their pockets while ignoring their mandate,” Shumba said.
“They are incompetent and parasitic in their attitude towards serious issues like water and sanitation.”
Chisango did not answer his mobile phone yesterday.
HCC chairperson of the human resources committee, George Mujajati, refused to comment on the matter and directed all the questions to Mafume.
Finance committee chairperson Costa Mande did not answer his mobile phone.
Mafume only said a committee to determine Chisango’s exit package would be set up soon.
“I am travelling, I can’t comment on the matter, but there is a committee which I am going to set to deal with Chisango’s issue,” he said.
