The Sunday Mail
The Harare City Council has asked former town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi to withdraw his High Court application for reinstatement to give negotiations a chance.
In correspondence to Dr Mahachi’s lawyers, Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni said: “Further to my letter to yourselves, dated 2nd September 2015, I write to advise that council has considered and decided to give the process of engagement a chance.
“Through this letter, I wish to advise you of the opening of the channels of formal engagement. Council is, however, concerned that while the channels of engagement were being opened, you decided to institute legal proceedings in the High Court, Case No 8378/15.”
He continued, “The court application is, unfortunately, a hurdle to any proper engagement. The position which you have taken is inconsistent with your initiative to engage in meaningful dialogue. It destroys the goodwill that parties were nurturing.
“For the above reason, I ask you to immediately withdraw the application before any engagement can be commenced. If your client is reluctant to do so, kindly advise us early so that we can take steps to sufficiently protect Council interests.”
Dr Mahachi approached the High Court last week to challenge termination of his employment on notice, arguing this was not approved by the Local Government Board as required at law.
Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba filed the application as instructed by Mr Chenjerai Daitai.
Before that, Dr Mahachi wanted a US$3 million golden handshake.
