GWANDA Town Council chamber secretary Priscilla Nkala has controversially been appointed as the substantive town clerk replacing the long-serving Gilbert Mlilo who retired in May.
ALBERT NCUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT
Nkala’s appointment was announced at a council meeting last Thursday by mayor Knowledge Ndlovu.
Nkala came fourth in interviews, but landed the job ahead of the interviewing panel’s shortlist that included Thuso Maphala, Levis Maphosa and Lot Mpande.
Her name was smuggled onto the list that was sent to the Local Government Board that makes the appointment with the approval of Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo.
Former Gwanda mayor Lionel De Necker was fired by Chombo in April 2012 for resisting a ministerial directive to endorse Nkala as the town council’s chamber secretary.
De Necker argued that Nkala was a Zanu PF apologist and her appointment was meant to sabotage their work.
“Obviously her appointment has been motivated by politics not merit and the result will be a collapse in service delivery,” said one councillor who requested anonymity.
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Nkala’s name was forced onto the list of candidates at the 11th hour by the Zanu PF-dominated council that felt her appointment wound ease gender disparities in the municipality.
Councillors argued Nkala was experienced for the job as she often acted in Mlilo’s capacity when he was away.
In a “special” letter to the Local Government Board, the Zanu PF councillors urged the body to disregard the interview results and appoint Nkala.
She faces a mammoth task of turning around the fortunes of the municipality that is reeling under debt and has failed to pay its workers for six months.
Workers have already exhibited lack of confidence in Nkala accusing her of lacking leadership qualities.
“Leadership crisis, we miss you Mlilo,” read a placard from striking workers last month when Nkala was acting town clerk.
Nkala is set to take home over $16 000 monthly until the government reviews salaries downwards as promised earlier this year.
She was not available for comment.
