THE Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (VIFACOR) has petitioned town clerk Ronnie Dube to explain his spirited manoeuvres to extend his tenure, in violation of a 2014 government directive, the Zimbabwe Independent can reveal.
As reported by the Independent on June 14, Dube ignited a corporate governance controversy when he wrote to the city's mayor, Prince Thuso, requesting an extension of his employment contract beyond the stipulated 10 years.
A directive issued by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in 2014, known as Circular 86, specifies that town clerks and other local authority top officials are barred from remaining in office for more than a decade.
The government’s corporate governance framework further stipulates that heads of local authorities can only serve a maximum of two four-year terms.
However, Dube, whose term is due to expire next year, wrote to Thuso on May 25 requesting an extension until 2027, citing his excellent track record. His actions triggered a fierce backlash from councillors, who pointed out the glaring violation of the corporate governance framework.
VIFACOR secretary general Nguqhuko Tshili confirmed to the Independent this week that residents had written to Dube demanding explanations.
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“We wrote to the municipality, and we are waiting for their response. As the association, we are engaging with councillors as board members about the issue,” he said.
Tshili declined to elaborate on the nature of the association’s demands to Dube, citing that doing so would derail the body’s running Memorandum of Understanding with the local authority.
However, sources familiar with the correspondence said residents demanded that the town clerk adheres to the corporate governance framework.
“The association’s letter seeks clarification from the town clerk following reports that he wants to extend his tenure. The association is opposed to that plan,” a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told this publication.
In a letter dated May 25 addressed to the mayor, Dube, in his request for his term of office to be extended, highlighted that the city council could follow other local authorities that have defied the framework.
“You will recall, Your Worship, that currently the town clerk serves a four-year term which may, upon satisfactory performance, be renewed only once,” the letter reads in part.
“You will further recall that I am serving the last of such four-year contracts. This arrangement was borne out of Circular Number 86 of 2014 from the permanent secretary for local government and public works.
“The circular directed the aligning of existing employment contracts for town clerks, secretaries, and chief executive officers such that they are aligned to the corporate governance policy framework for State enterprises, parastatals, and local authorities.
“It further directed that the heads of local authorities be employed on four-year contracts which may be renewed only once and upon satisfactory performance.
“I have it on good authority that some local authorities did not implement this circular. I am also aware that those that had implemented it have either gone back to the former situation in which town clerks had contracts without a limit of time.
“Such information can be shared with you should you desire. It is in light of the above that I hereby apply for an extension to my contract when I reach the council retirement age,” the letter further state
In the same correspondence that has triggered fierce debate within the general purposes committee (GPC) of the city, Dube also highlighted that his desire to stay in office was motivated by a commitment to “fully implement the strategic initiatives” he introduced when he assumed office in 2017.
“This will afford me an opportunity to fully implement the strategic initiatives that I put in place when I assumed office. Like I indicated, the request is not unique as some local authorities have done the same with their town clerks,” he further wrote.
“I have served this council with diligence and dedication, and it is my desire to fully implement some projects that are still work in progress.
“Under my stewardship, the council has taken a turn for the better despite the harsh operating environment. The numerous accolades that the council has won are a testimony to this. So is the satisfaction feedback council is getting from its stakeholders.”
Local government and public works secretary John Bhasera had not responded to questions posed by the Independent at the time of going to print.
The publication wanted to understand whether the ministry had any measures in place to ensure that local authorities adhere to the government's corporate governance framework.