By Correspondent
Harare Council has defended its participation in multiple programs by the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa amidst rumours of internal contradictions.
Some residents and opposition Councillors have voiced opposition to the participation.
A leaked June 6 letter to Council by Public Service Permanent Secretary Simon Masanga has ignited the scandal.
The letter directed Council to release money to fund the relocation of street children to Auxillia’s Children’s Home in Chiredzi.
Council Digs In
However, in response Council has defended its participation as voluntary.
“The City of Harare does not pay money for the implementation of the programmes.
“(It) pays for accomodation and other related allowances for City of Harare Councillors and Employees who participate in these programmes if they are conducted outside the boundaries of Harare.
“This is in line with Council Policy.
Council said its participation has been out of freewill.
“In the event that there are donations required for the successful implementation of the programmes, the City of Harare like any other organisation operating in Zimbabwe can assist as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Council is neither coerced or forced and this is only done when the cashflows permit.
Internal Contradictions
However, that position has not been corroborated by internal sources.
They allege that there are unwritten dictates which follow even mundanly worded invitations.
“The issue isn’t about an explicit letter stating that pay or support with this amount.
“There may not be such a letter but we know what to do when an invitation to help or assist comes.
“You don’t talk about funding challenges in such a situation,” he said.
The total bill for Council’s participation in the First Lady’s Nhanga/Gotta program stood at ZiG740 415.
This is after it funded the participation of 33 people made up of 24 councillors and nine officials.
However, in its statement Council contends that it will continue to support any initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of communities.
“This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and the mantra of Leaving No One Behind.
“The programmes being conducted by the First Lady are important programmes to fight domestic violence, child abuse, drugs and substance abuse.
“As a local authority, as part of the social services programme we are expected to participate and support such critical initiatives.
