Newly-appointed Harare special interest councilor Joseph Kanyekanye has fired a warning shot to non-performing council employees, saying his mandate is to monitor underperformers and show them the exit door.
In his maiden contribution at Town House last Thursday, Kanyekanye said the “honeymoon” was over for underperforming council employees who enjoyed huge salary perks, but shortchanged residents.
“We do have a problem by the look of it. Why not have a register for everyone who makes a promise to deliver? We will have to fire people because we are here to serve,” he said.
Kanyekanye, who was making his first contribution in the council chamber,said: “I have been listening and learning on the result-based system. It’s important to define a benchmark and on the agenda, let’s fish out the important things. Let’s focus on the deliverables and work on that, especially service delivery.”
His modus operandi seemed to be in tandem with mayor Muchadeyi Masunda who has repeatedly threatened to “name and shame” non-performers.
“There is nobody who is fireproof and nobody will protect anyone. There are no sacred cows, but let’s refrain from generalising the goals that were set,” Masunda said.
Kanyekanye was recently seconded to Harare City Council as a special interest councillor by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo.
He is former president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Renaissance Merchant Bank board chairperson and Allied Timbers chief executive officer.
