Matthew Marara, a senior executive at Harare City Council, has denied allegations that he received US$350,000 in back pay and benefits during a suspension period, stating instead that he was paid US$131,000.
Marara, who has held several senior positions within the council—including Executive Assistant to the Town Clerk, Acting Director of Housing and Community Services, and Human Resources Manager—claims the payout was compensation for over two years of unpaid leave during his suspension.
Marara’s suspension began following his arrest on charges of criminal abuse of office, which led to him being placed on leave without pay. “I was on leave without pay, as per the suspension letter issued by my employer,” he explained during his testimony before the Commission of Inquiry into the operations of Harare City Council, chaired by retired Justice Maphios Cheda.
He stated that his reinstatement in June 2023 was authorized by a council resolution, even though a ministerial directive had barred such reappointments until court cases against affected individuals were resolved. Marara argued that his case was not unprecedented, as other directors had been reinstated under similar circumstances.
Leading evidence at the hearing, Thabani Mpofu questioned Marara about negotiating for back pay despite being aware that his return to work contravened the directive from the Ministry of Local Government. In response, Marara outlined how the compensation agreement was reached:
“The US$131,000, which included salaries and benefits for the time I was absent, was negotiated with a panel comprising four councilors and an external legal consultant, all appointed by the Mayor. The panel included Councillors Kadzombe, Mapanzure, Ngadziore, and Chakeredza, along with legal practitioner Zinhemha,” Marara said.
During the inquiry, Marara also faced allegations that he had resigned during his suspension and was reinstated in 2023 under questionable circumstances. He vehemently denied resigning, maintaining that he remained an employee of the council throughout his suspension.
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Beyond the issues surrounding his suspension and reinstatement, Marara admitted to earning a salary of US$12,000 per month, along with numerous allowances. These include representation, housing, motor vehicle, education, airtime, entertainment, medical aid, golf, driver, and security benefits. However, Marara caused amusement in the gallery when he attempted to backtrack on his earlier admission, attributing his statement to a toothache.
Justice Cheda reminded him that his testimony, given under oath, would remain valid until the next session of the commission. “You were asked several times how much you earn, and you said US$12,000,” the judge stated.
Marara also addressed questions about his assets amid social media rumors that he owns multiple properties acquired through unexplained means. He disclosed owning three properties: a stand in Gunhill, a house in Malbereign, and another in Bulawayo. He denied owning additional properties and dismissed claims that he controls the city council or benefits from corrupt dealings.
“I do not control the City of Harare,” Marara asserted in response to Mpofu’s questioning.
He also outlined his qualifications, which include a Diploma in Education, a Diploma in Personnel Management, a Bachelor’s in Education, a Special Honors degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, an MBA, and a Master’s in Strategic Management. Marara added that his military background includes training at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru and completing various officer courses.
Despite his assertions, Marara’s tenure at the council has been marred by controversy. His arrival at the commission in a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 only fueled further criticism, as Harare residents continue to suffer from poor service delivery, erratic water supplies, unrepaired potholes, and persistent sewer system failures.
The Commission of Inquiry, appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, continues to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement within Harare City Council.
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