Another Tsholotsho official resigns

TSHOLOTSHO Rural District Council has been thrown into turmoil following the resignation of yet another top official leaving the local authority without any substantive senior staff member.

The only substantive official, Mr Munqobi Ndlovu who is the executive officer human resources and administration has reportedly tendered his resignation, after giving a three months’ notice. In December last year, the RDC’s executive officer (natural resources), Mr Simelisizwe Sibanda was dismissed from the local authority by a disciplinary committee over his alleged failure to declare interests in a company that got a number of tenders with the local authority.

The local authority is also operating without a substantive chief executive officer after the resignation of Mr Themba Moyo.

It also does not have a substantive executive officer (finance) after the resignation of Mr Khumbulani Hlabangana. Mr Simelisizwe Sibanda’s deputy, Mr Mthokozisi Dlodlo also tendered his resignation, under protest after being allegedly targeted for suspension.

Confirming the latest development, the RDC’s chairperson, Councillor Esau Siwela said the local authority would engage Mr Ndlovu as they suspect that he was “drunk” when he tabled his resignation.

“Yes, there is something like that but the acting chief executive officer (Mr Nkululeko Sibanda) has been tasked with engaging him as we suspect he was drunk when he tendered his resignation,” said Clr Siwela.

However, a council official close to the events said the local authority did not want to accept Mr Ndlovu’s resignation as a way of saving face noting the number of resignations and suspensions that have taken place over the past six months.

“Mr Ndlovu’s resignation caught them unaware mainly because he was the only substantive official remaining in office, now they fear that they could catch the attention of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which is their parent ministry.

“The truth of the matter, however, is that all is not well, even the Local Government Board is apparently failing to appoint a substantive chief executive officer. Some circles are even calling for the appointment of a commission to bring sanity to the council,” said the official.

Meanwhile, an internal disciplinary hearing cleared the council’s acting executive officer (natural resources), Mr Victor Ncube after he was suspended last month on allegations that he approved a Zimparks investigation on an alleged illegal shooting of elephants by a hunting company without a permit.

It was further alleged that he participated in an investigation using council resources on the Problem Animal Control matter without authorisation. Clr Siwela confirmed that Mr Ncube’s charges had all been dismissed with the acting chief executive officer tasked with informing him of the outcome.

“I understand all charges were dropped and he has been reinstated to his position,” said Clr Siwela.