SIMBARASHE MTEMBO
CHIPINGE TIMES REPORTER

MUTARE-United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust (UMRRT) has rubbished sentiments from some residents that the late assumption of duty by the city’s town clerk is derailing progress.
UMRRT director Edson Dube told Chipinge Times in an interview that there is nothing amiss about the delay in Kumbirai Madanhi assuming office as the City’s town clerk.
Madanhi was appointed town clerk in February 2023 and is yet to assume office. He is still serving on the Ruwa Town Board.
Dube said Madanhi has to satisfy employment and contractual agreements with Ruwa Town Board before he assumes office.
“We do not see this as a delay as everything is above board and legal when one is moving from one job, you are supposed to notify your employer, and the law is clear on that. One can leave and forfeit some benefits or serve their notice period.
“Obviously, the town needs a substantive head, but the temporary management is doing a good job, and the town is stable. Madanhi has a binding contract with Ruwa Board and probably has to see his contract and serve his term of notice. We hope he comes soon after completing his obligations to his former employer and at a personal level. There is also a need for a proper handover-takeover with his replacement,” said Dube.
Madanhi’s mobile phone went unanswered when contacted for a comment.
Mutare Mayor Cllr Simon Chabuka echoed Dube’s sentiments and said that there are procedures that have to be completed before Madanhi assumes office.
“Yes, it is true that the appointment of a substantive Town Clerk is long overdue, but some procedures had to be followed. We are anticipating that Madanhi should assume duty at the beginning of July. Since his appointment early this year, he has not yet tendered his resignation at his current workplace,” said Mayor Chabuka.
The last substantive Town Clerk, Joshua Maligwa, died in January 2021, and there have been two acting town clerks since then.