The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure Senior Reporter
FORMER Mutare City Town Clerk, Mr Obert Muzawazi, could realise a massive windfall of $190 000 and the Murambi house he is currently occupying at 50 percent of the market value as exit package following a Labour Court ruling.
Mr Muzawazi lodged a complaint with the Labour Court on November 10, 2016 after numerous attempts to have the municipality process his severance package hit a brick wall. Mr Muzawazi resigned from his post on January 26, 2016 amid a litany of corruption allegations.
Mr Muzawazi was represented by Harare-based lawyers, Sawyer and Mkushi. The arbitrator was one Mr B Hwachi.
In his ruling, Mr Hwachi said Mr Muzawazi should get $49 000 in outstanding salary arrears and a severance package of $121 208.40. The labour court also awarded Mr Muzawazi $10 000 cash in lieu for leave days and $11 000 school fees arrears.
Mr Muzawazi will get 20 percent of medical cover for six months instead of the 100 percent he was claiming and Number 2, Shangani Drive, Murambi at 50 percent of the market price. The municipality has 30 days to put the house in Mr Muzawazi’s name.
The municipality will deduct $13 000 from the lump package for the car loan that Mr Muzawazi took.
Mutare City in a letter dated March 7, 2017, and through its Housing Director, Mr Stenard Mapurisa, had given Mr Muzawazi up to April 3, 2017 to vacate the council house to pave way for his successor Mr Joshua Maligwa, who assumed duty on the same day.
Mr Maligwa told The Manica Post yesterday (Thursday) that although the Labour Court had awarded his predecessor a massive windfall, the beleaguered municipality would appeal against the ruling. “I can confirm that the arbitration for Mr Muzawazi has come out, and he was awarded all that he was demanding, including the Murambi house that he is currently occupying, at 50 percent of the market value.
“The issue of the council house was initially not in contention, and I was made aware by the council legal officer, Mr Kanengoni that Mr Muzawazi was willing to vacate, but wanted council to pay him $21 000 (salary arrears), but for unknown reasons it ended up annexured on the award.
“The matter has not been taken to council for discussion, but it will be tabled before the relevant committee today (Thursday), and then the full council, but the probability is very high that the municipality will appeal against the determination by the Labour Court because it is unacceptable,” said Mr Maligwa.
