President reshuffles Harare Commission of Inquiry

Blessings Chidakwa, Herald Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has reshuffled the Commission of Inquiry into the governance of Harare City Council, removing Mr Norbert Phiri from his role as Commissioner and replacing him with city lawyer Mr Tafadzwa Charles Hungwe.

The President appointed a five-member commission in May to probe matters of local governance at Harare City Council beginning 2017.

Retired High Court Judge, Justice Maphios Cheda, chairs the commission whose other members are Mr Steven Chakaipa, Mrs Lucia Gladys Matibenga and Ms Khonzani Ncube.

The Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Dr John Bhasera, is the commission’s secretary.

According to a notice published in yesterday’s Government Gazette, the decision to replace Mr Phiri was effected under Statutory Instrument 120 of 2024 and was done in accordance with Section 2 (1) of the Commission of Inquiry Act [Chapter 10:07].

Under the Section, the President may, when he considers it advisable, by proclamation, appoint a Commission of Inquiry consisting of one or more commissioners.

President Mnangagwa said he issued a proclamation under Statutory Instrument 91 of 2024, establishing the Commission of Inquiry into the matter of Local Governance by Harare City Council since 2017.

“And whereas, the substitution of Commissioner Nobert Phiri to the Commission of Inquiry has become necessary, now, therefore, under and by virtue of the powers vested in the President as aforesaid, I do, by this proclamation, amend the proclamation published in Statutory Instrument 91 of 2024, by the deletion on the Schedule of the name “Nobert Phiri” and substitution of it by the name “Tafadzwa Charles Hungwe”, read the notice.

Among issues to be interrogated will be financial management systems and audit compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and other laws.

The Commission will also probe the financial management of revenue generated through special vehicle companies and other out-sourced arrangements as well as the reasons behind the failure to operate an enterprise resource planning system for Harare City Council and quantify any losses accruing as a result.

Also to be investigated will be the procedures of management, sales, leases of other transfers of the city council’s properties to private entities.

The terms of reference also include investigations into the convening of council meetings as well as adherence to the Standing Orders and Rules in council meetings by Harare City Council.

Compliance with procurement laws, inclusive of disposal of assets and compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act will also be under focus.

The commission can also make visits where necessary, summon witnesses, record proceedings, minute testimonies, and documents, consider and manage all information gathered in order to arrive at appropriate findings and recommendations to the President.

It can also investigate anything else that the commission deems appropriate and relevant to the inquiry.