Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume has issued an apology to ratepayers for the city’s poor service delivery while admitting to unlawfully awarding himself mayoral perks. His apology came after he was questioned by the Retired Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission about why he continued to receive benefits such as a house and vehicles despite the city’s financial struggles.
The controversy arose when it was revealed that Clr Mafume had been given a house at Number 9 Drummond Chaplin Road in Milton Park as part of his mayoral perks. He was also accused of pushing for more benefits while the city faced severe service delivery challenges. In his defense, the mayor insisted that perks were part of his entitlement, claiming that since the official mayoral mansion was occupied, alternative accommodation had to be provided.
However, Retired Justice Cheda referred him to a circular issued on September 26, 2024, which had canceled several perks, including the provision of accommodation for a ceremonial mayor. Justice Cheda argued that it was unnecessary for Clr Mafume to receive such benefits when the city was struggling. A heated debate ensued, with the mayor attempting to justify his position by suggesting the circular could be interpreted differently.
Eventually, Clr Mafume admitted that the perks he received were against government directives. He expressed remorse for the poor state of Harare’s service delivery and promised to make amends. “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,” he said.
The inquiry also heard submissions from Mr. Thabani Mpofu, the evidence leader, who stated that city executives often yield to pressure from councillors, compromising legal and ethical governance. In a further twist to the scandal, Clr Mafume allegedly misled the commission by directing them to a wrong address in Greendale to avoid scrutiny of his actual residence, further fueling concerns about accountability in the city’s leadership.
