Harare City Council is embroiled in a controversy surrounding its IT department, with Mayor Jacob Mafume leveling serious accusations of corruption against department officials.
The crux of the issue revolves around a proposed $51 million Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a significant increase from the previous system that cost a mere $35,000 annually, according to Mayor Mafume. He further alleges that a malfunctioning replacement system, implemented at a cost of $350,000, served as a precursor to this exorbitant proposal.
Mayor Mafume contends that IT department officials are deliberately misleading the council regarding the necessity and funding for the proposed ERP system. Additionally, anonymous emails have surfaced, hinting at a potential web of collusion between IT staff and a vendor to secure the lucrative contract.
These allegations cast a long shadow over the IT department, raising concerns about potential corruption within its ranks. The Mayor’s pronouncements underscore the need for a comprehensive investigation into the procurement process for the ERP system, along with a thorough examination of the justification behind the proposed $51 million price tag.
However, the IT department has not remained silent in the face of these accusations. IT Director, Mr. Madzokere, has come out in defense of the proposed ERP system, asserting its superiority over its predecessors. He has also defended trips to South Africa that were allegedly funded by the IT vendor in question.
While the Mayor blames the IT department for the city’s poor internet connectivity, hindering employee training, Mr. Madzokere has likely laid out counter-arguments to these accusations as well.
Given the gravity of the situation, a neutral and independent investigation is paramount to bringing clarity to this matter. The citizens of Harare deserve transparency and accountability from their local government, and a swift resolution to this controversy is essential to restoring public trust.
