By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – The City of Harare has dismissed allegations circulating in the media that it operates a “secret payroll”, describing the claims as false, malicious and intended to mislead residents while creating unnecessary alarm.
Acting town clerk, advocate Warren Chiwawa said reports alleging the existence of a concealed payroll for senior executives were without merit and misrepresented the council’s remuneration structure.
“Our attention has been drawn to a story in the media alleging that the City of Harare runs a secret payroll.”
“This information is false and malicious and intended to deliberately cause unnecessary alarm and confusion among residents,” he said.
Adv. Chiwawa explained that the City of Harare maintains one payroll system covering employees from executive management to the National Employment Council (NEC) grades, with all salaries processed through the council’s Belina payroll system.
According to the Acting town clerk, the council’s grading structure places NEC employees between Grades 16 and 7, while management staff occupy Grades 6 to 1.
He further clarified that remuneration is determined through established labour relations structures and not through arbitrary arrangements.
“Salaries are negotiated at well-established structures, that is at council level and at National Employment Council level,” he said.
Adv. Chiwawa urged residents to disregard reports suggesting otherwise, insisting that no parallel or undisclosed payroll exists within the municipality.
“Any allegations to the contrary are unfounded and malicious and must be ignored.”
However, the public rebuttal comes amid renewed public scrutiny over remuneration at Town House following reports alleging that Harare City Council maintained a separate payroll for senior executives.
The allegations resurfaced after media reports and social media discussions claimed that top management were receiving salaries outside the council’s ordinary payroll system, reviving concerns over executive remuneration that have dominated debate over the past two years.
The issue of executive salaries has remained contentious since 2025 when it emerged that Harare City Council’s top executives were collectively earning high monthly salaries.
The revelations prompted intervention by the Local Government Board, which directed the council to restructure its grading and remuneration framework after finding that the existing salary structure had not received the necessary approval.
The matter has since featured in council deliberations and public discourse as authorities sought to align executive salaries with approved governance frameworks.
New Ziana
