BY SILAS NKALA
THE Local Government ministry has appointed Silibele Mpofu as the new Nkayi Rural District Council chief executive officer (CEO) despite the Zanu PF-dominated council preferring Lawrence Mudimba for the post.
Mudimba had been acting chief executive officer, but came second to Mpofu during interviews.
The position fell vacant after former CEO Zimbabwe Ndlovu was fired under unclear circumstances. Latest Nkayi human resources committee minutes state that the interviews were conducted on March 3 and Mpofu scored 229 points, while Mudimba garnered 200 and other candidates had less than 200 points.
In the comments section, the interviewing panel stated that Mpofu had vast experience in local governance, while Mudimba was “better placed to handle council finances”.
However, the human resources committee recommended that Mudimba be appointed ahead of Mpofu despite coming second.
But, on June 9, the Local Government ministry wrote to the Nkayi RDC announcing that Mpofu must be appointed CEO.
“The honourable Minister of Local Government and Public Works has in terms of Section 66 (3) of the Rural District Councils Act Chapter 29:13) approved the appointment of Silibele Mpofu as substantive CEO for Nkayi RDC with effect from the date of assumption of duty,” read a letter signed by one M Mazai on behalf of the Local Government secretary.
The letter was copied to district development coordinator Matilda Mlotshwa.
“In the event that he turns down the offer, it is recommended that the post be offered to the second best candidate, Mudimba and if he fails to take up the post the third best candidate Khulekani Sithembile should be considered,” the letter added.
The interviewing panel comprised of Bubi CEO Patson Mlilo, who was the chairperson; Hwange CEO Phindile Ncube; Hwange district development coordinator Simon Muleya; the deputy director in the Ministry of Public Works Local Government Matabeleland North province Gloria Rawundi; and Wenstone Mundonzvo, the human resources officer in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in Matabeleland North.
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