21 March 2025
Staff Writer
The City of Harare’s governance chaos has taken a new twist as residents, civil society groups, and council insiders demand that substantive Town Clerk Eng. Hosiah Chisango formally assume office, ending a costly months-long saga of dual appointments that have drained municipal funds and worsened service delivery.
The calls come amid reports that Chisango—whose legitimacy was affirmed by a recent court ruling where he was acquitted of criminal charges—has begun occupying his Town House office, sparking speculation of an end to the administrative chaos.
The Harare City Council has been paralyzed in recent months due to political infighting that saw two officials, Eng. Phakamile Moyo and Eng. Chisango, both claiming authority as Town Clerk.
This deadlock forced the council to pay dual salaries, costing thousands of United States dollars monthly, even as service delivery collapsed.
Last month’s High Court judgment acquitted Chisango of all charges, nullifying his prior suspension, which was based on the same allegations. Despite the ruling, Chisango is yet to be formally installed, with the council citing “procedural delays.” However, impeccable sources at Town House confirmed to this publication that he has been frequenting both Town House and Rowan Martin Building, partially carrying out his duties.
“Why is the council dragging its feet? Chisango is the substantive TC (Town Clerk). Every day wasted on this circus means more dry taps, more uncollected garbage, and another individual drawing a Town Clerk’s salary,” remarked Marvelous Khumalo, a member of the Harare Residents’ Coalition.
Leaked documents reveal that the Town Clerk’s approved salary is substantial, with sources suggesting the council could save up to $20,000 monthly by halting payments to the Acting Town Clerk.
Rumors of behind-the-scenes moves have added fuel to the fire. Sources within the Town House claim Chisango has been “quietly familiarizing himself with operations,” holding informal meetings with department heads and accessing his office multiple times last week. “He’s here, It’s like a silent takeover,” said an anonymous senior official. Metro police officers stationed at Town House corroborated increased activity, with one stating, “We’ve seen his car parked there daily. People inside are tense.”
Asked for comment, a junior council official in the Public Relations department, who declined to be named, confirmed Chisango has reported for duty but insisted she is not permitted to comment on behalf of Council .
With 90% of Harare’s suburbs facing weekly water shortages and mounting garbage heaps plaguing the city center, residents argue the leadership vacuum is lethal.
“Soon our children will be hospitalised with cholera because of this water issue. Maybe when we start losing lives, that’s when they will fix this,” said Budiriro resident Grace Mandaza.
The council’s health department is reportedly preparing for a spike in diarrhoea cases linked to poor sanitation.
Civic groups, council employees, and residents had earlier planned to protest outside the Town House, demanding accountability, timely salaries, and service delivery. Some have also threatened lawsuits to recover “wasted funds” paid to the dual Town Clerks.