Harare Mayor Apologises For Awarding Himself Unlawful Perks And Benefits

It
was
revealed
that
Mafume
received
a
house
on
Drummond
Chaplin
Road
in
Milton
Park
as
part
of
his
mayoral
perks
and
was
even
pushing
for
more.

While
giving
his
testimony,
the
mayor
defended
his
actions,
saying
the
perks
were
allowed
by
law
and
were
part
of
his
position,
though
they
were
funded
by
ratepayers.
He
said:

As
per
practice,
a
mayor
is
entitled
to
certain
perks,
and
because
the
mayoral
mansion
is
occupied,
they
had
to
look
for
alternative
accommodation
for
me.

Retired
Justice
Cheda
pointed
out
a
circular
from
September
26,
2024,
which
cancelled
several
perks,
including
the
mayor’s
entitlement
to
accommodation.

Justice
Cheda
argued
that
a
ceremonial
mayor
like
Mafume
should
not
receive
large
perks,
such
as
a
house
and
a
vehicle.

Mafume
argued
that
the
circular
could
be
interpreted
in
different
ways.
However,
he
later
admitted
that
the
perks
were
against
the
latest
government
directive.
Said
Mafume:

I
am
sorry
that
there
is
poor
service
delivery
in
the
city.
I
would
like
to
see
things
changing
for
ratepayers.
I
am
sorry
for
the
state
that
the
city
is
in.
I
am
prepared
to
start
on
a
clean
slate.

On
Wednesday,
Clr
Mafume
took
the
commission
to
the
wrong
home
address
in
Greendale,
claiming
it
was
an
honest
error.
He
said:

As
a
public
servant,
I
have
always
prioritized
openness
and
accountability.
The
address
mix-up
was
an
honest
mistake,
and
I
fully
recognize
the
importance
of
accuracy
in
these
matters.

I
have
nothing
to
hide.
I
welcome
any
official
verification
processes
and
will
continue
to
serve
the
people
of
Harare
with
integrity
and
honesty.
My
record
is
clear,
and
my
focus
remains
on
the
well-being
of
our
community.