City of Harare Run by a Marginalised Group of Mafias

By Loyd Matare

Whilst residents suffer at the hands of a marginalized group of mafias, the Harare City Council, the Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk, Mathew Marara, is being paid a whopping US$12,000 monthly salary plus allowances—despite being suspended for three years.

This shocking revelation came to light during an ongoing Commission of Inquiry yesterday, where Marara was grilled by evidence leader Thabani Mpofu over his suspension, recall, and lucrative salary package.

Marara, who was suspended without pay and benefits as he alleges in 2020 on charges of criminal abuse of office, claimed that he was recalled to work in June 2023 following a council resolution.

However, Mpofu pointed out that Marara’s recall was in direct conflict with a ministerial directive that barred him from returning to work until his court cases were resolved.

Marara admitted that his position was “untenable at law” but shifted the blame to the council, saying “it is council which should be crucified.”

The inquiry also revealed that Marara negotiated a hefty back pay package of US$131,000 with a committee set up by the mayor, which included four politicians and a legal consultant.

Marara’s current salary package includes a monthly salary of US$12,000 paid at the interbank rate, plus allowances for housing, locomotion, education, airtime, entertainment, and medical aid.

“So far I have received US$116,00 allowance on top of my salary…my salary amounts to US$12,000 paid at interbank rate and some allowances,” Marara said yesterday.

Mpofu questioned Marara’s decision to accept the lucrative package despite being aware that his recall was unlawful.

“Sometime in April 2023 Other directors returned to work and I only came in June…when the resolution was there, but others had come without the resolution and they were accepted by the employer.

“When I came back the resolution was fresh. The guys who came in April came when the resolution was not there,” Marara explained.

Marara’s response sparked outrage, with Mpofu stating that “there is not a single person in this room who believes that you did not know the position regarding your colleagues.”

As the inquiry will resume probing Marara’s case next week Tuesday, one thing is clear: the people of Harare deserve better.