Harare execs pocket thousands as citizens struggle

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While many Zimbabweans struggle to make ends meet, with some migrating to other countries for greener pastures, Harare City Council executives are raking in exorbitant salaries.

Lavish Salaries at Harare City Council Amid Economic Hardship

The town clerk earns as much as US$30 000 (R553,137.20) per month, including perks. The lowest-paid executive receives US$15 000 (R276 613.66), while the total monthly wage bill for top management stands at a staggering US$500 000 (R9 227 362.85).

A Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of Harare City revealed, as reported by The Herald, that officials have been receiving massive salaries and perks without approval from the Local Government Board. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens grapple with unemployment, poor service delivery, and a worsening economy.

Millions Spent on Luxury While Services Collapse

Adding to the outrage, executives who reportedly do not even receive official pay slips spent US$124 000 (R2,284,988.82) on foreign trips in 2023 alone. At the same time, the council splurged US$1 million (R18 million) on luxury vehicles during the election period, while basic city services such as waste collection, road maintenance, and water supply remain in shambles.

These expenditures highlight the stark contrast between the city’s leadership and ordinary Zimbabweans. The public struggles with water scarcity, power cuts, poor healthcare, and skyrocketing inflation.

Netizens react to Harare City Council salaries

Zimbabweans have taken to social media to vent their frustrations. They are increasingly upset over the growing disparity between the elite and the general public.

@sidthekid8591 tweeted “…Most town Clerks in big cities here in USA make between $5600 to $6000 per month!! That’s daylight robbery at an enormous scale!! $30 000 per month in a failed African city is madness at its best!”

@KwibukaKuzamura said: “The problems in Harare have been examined from a political viewpoint for a long time. It is time to define them differently. Maybe an ethnographical approach will give a better answer as to why we have useless leadership and citizens doing about it.”