By Tanaka Chitoro| Panic has gripped members of the G40 appointed directors at Gweru City Council after High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi last week overturned the fired Town Clerk Daniel Matawu’s dismissal by caretaker commission appointed by former minister Saviour Kasukuwere to run the affairs of the city.

 

Daniel Matawu through his lawyer Advocate Reginald Chidawanyika of Chitere Chidawanyika and Partners made an application to the High Court challenging his dismissal by the three member commission led by Tsungai Mhangami which Justice Mathonsi nullified Matawu’s suspension and dismissal saying the appointment of the tribunal which tried him was an act of illegality and ordered his reinstatement to his previous position.

 

The Mhangami commission with blessings of Kasukuwere despite the pending court challenge by Matawu, went on to appoint its close G40 allys Elizabeth Gwatipedza as Town Clerk, Sam Sekenhamo as Director of health, Chamber Secretary Vakai Chikwekwe and Engineer Mwanetsa a Director of Engineering Services.

The directors scored low marks during interviews but Kasukuwere went
on to appoint them to the posts.

 

Last Sunday, Mhangani was spotted at Pangolin lodge a hideout place about 15km outside Gweru accompanied by Town Clerk Elizabeth Gwatipedza, Sam Sekenhamo and Chikwekwe, going through what appeared to be court papers and strategizing the way forward.

Sources close to the goings on at Town House, said the Kasukuwere appointed directors were panicking and fearing that their appointments may be declared null and void by the new Munagagwa administration.

“The Town Clerk and his directors are now pinning their hopes on the
remaining G40 ally at the local government ministry, principal director Erica Jones to push for an appeal to buy time. We as council workers welcome the decision by the high court as the directors are milking council of thousands of dollars through travel allowance.

Gwatipedza and team are always attending workshops out of town and rarely spend 7 days per month in the office,” said a workers representative who requested not to be named.

Former Minister Kasukuwere before he was disposed is said to have
appointed his allys to key positions in most local authorities and
still has influence through the principal director in the ministry.
When contacted for comment Chidawanyika said, “My client is going back
to work on Wednesday and hope no one will stand in his way,”