Makunde bounces back as Chitungwiza town clerk

GOVERNMENT has reinstated Dr George Makunde as town clerk for Chitungwiza Municipality.

Dr Makunde was fired in October last year by the then Caretaker Commission appointed by former Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.

The ministry argued that Dr Makunde’s contract had expired in August of the same year.

Councillors have since ratified the decision to rehire Dr Makunde.

The Acting Mayor Councillor Goodwill Mushangwe wrote to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Cde July Moyo seeking permission to reinstate Dr Makunde.

““The council feels it is prudent to correct this anomaly by causing the return of Dr Makunde to Chitungwiza Municipality with immediate effect.

“This will also protect the local authority from unnecessary labour disputes.

“Your indulgence in this matter is sincerely sought,” reads the letter.

Minister Moyo endorsed the decision in a letter dated April 24.

“I refer to your letter informing me about your council resolution to reinstate Dr George Makunde in his position as town clerk.

“We have no objections since we had earlier written to you in the affirmative,” he said.

The ministry had in January this year written to the Caretaker Commission advising them to review Dr Makunde’s contract by re-engaging him.

The reinstatement issue was raised by councillors during their first special full council meeting held on April 16.

It emerged that acting town clerk Mrs Charity Maunga had no idea of what happened to Dr Makunde’s contract.