HARARE – Pressure is mounting on the beleaguered Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, after residents and ratepayers formally petitioned the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, calling for urgent government intervention over alleged corruption, weak governance and the continuing collapse of basic services in the capital.
In a petition submitted by concerned residents of the City of Harare, signatories accuse the city’s leadership of presiding over a deepening service delivery crisis marked by uncollected refuse, recurring water shortages, deteriorating road infrastructure and general urban decay — despite the continued collection of rates and taxes.
The residents argue that these failures point not only to administrative inefficiency but also to broader governance concerns within the council under Mayor Mafume’s leadership.
Among the most serious allegations raised are claims of corruption involving the mayor. Petitioners reference previous public statements by Minister Garwe expressing concern over corruption within Harare City Council and identifying the mayor as a central figure in alleged malpractice. The residents are now urging the minister to move beyond public commentary and initiate formal action.
The petition also accuses city officials of misusing ratepayers’ funds, alleging that money is being channelled toward workshops, seminars and travel for senior officials at a time when frontline services remain severely underfunded and service delivery continues to deteriorate.
In addition, residents raise concerns over the mayor’s reported lifestyle, alleging that he resides in a high-end residential property that appears beyond what could reasonably be supported by his known legitimate income. They argue that this raises questions about possible undisclosed sources of wealth, further fuelling public suspicion.
The petition further cites what it describes as a “failure of leadership” at Town House, resulting in weakened accountability, reduced transparency and declining responsiveness to residents’ needs.
In their submission, residents call on the Ministry of Local Government to institute an urgent and independent investigation into the allegations of corruption and abuse of office. They also urge the minister to take appropriate administrative action, including the suspension of implicated officials where necessary, to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
Beyond individual accountability, the petition calls for systemic reforms, including tighter controls on council expenditure, particularly on non-essential travel and workshops, and the implementation of measures aimed at restoring transparency and improving service delivery across the city.
The development underscores growing frustration among Harare’s residents, many of whom say living conditions in the capital have worsened significantly in recent years. Once regarded as one of southern Africa’s best-managed cities, Harare now faces mounting challenges linked to infrastructure decay, rapid urbanisation and long-running governance disputes.
The Ministry of Local Government had not yet issued a formal response to the petition at the time of publication.
