By Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – In a humiliating reversal of fortunes, Zaka District Development Coordinator (DDC) Memory Dhliwayo who was promoted to the rank in March was demoted after only eight months, on allegations of failing to meet security clearance.
Dhiliwayo had been acting DDC for some time before she was promoted to be substantive, only for the promotion to be revoked months later.
In a leaked notice of revocation seen by TellZim News, Dhliwayo will revert to her previous position and grade of Principal Administrative Officer.
“We refer to your recent minute dated 8 March 2024 to the post of District Development Coordinator. After receiving the security vetting results, it has been determined that the promotion must be revoked.
“In accordance with paragraph 5 read together with paragraph 6 (Part11), Second Schedule of the Public Service Commission has revoked the promotion with effect from 1 December 2024.
“In view of this, you will revert to your previous position and grade of Principal Administrative Officer with effect from 1 December 2024. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this process.
Dhliwayo could not be reached for comment as she was not picking up her cell, a development that has been synonymous with her especially when called by TellZim News.
The leaked letter was however signed with a confirmation of receipt by Dhliwayo and was dated November 29 2024.
Sources from Zaka said she had a number of shortcomings that resulted in her demotion including poor performance of council as she failed to give direction as required of the DDC.
That was also noted in a report of findings from an investigation at Zaka RDC by the ministry of local government where it was noted that there were no trio meetings where the DDC, CEO and Council Chair meet and discuss on developmental issues in the district.
“She was demoted because of scandals at Zaka RDC, she failed to reign in the council chair and give direction to council operations as is expected of a DDC, in meetings, at times she would be asked for direction and always fail to give answers. The District is not developing under her watchful eyes, so where does the development coordination come in if she is not doing that,” said the source.
Another source said Dhliwayo was a victim of Zanu PF factionalism which she allowed herself to be involved in and that also affected her to the extent that she failed to control Zaka RDC Chairperson Fungai Maregedze who is wife to Zaka Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee, former deputy Finance Minister and Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa since she was aligned to his faction.
Chiduwa and his Zaka Central counterpart Davies Marapira are fighting for dominance in the district and as it stands, Marapira seems to be enjoying more support on the ground.
Dhliwayo was also once cautioned by the ministry after she was reported to have been keeping goats in the government house that she stays in at Zaka.
Other sources said Dhliwayo had several cases of corruption where she took goats and cattle from traditional leaders who would want to be installed as village heads, headmen or chiefs.
She is fingered in the Nyakunhuwa chieftainship scandal where someone from a house outside the traditional five houses was appointed chief.
Dhliwayo is also alleged to have been allowing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that had no MoU with Zaka RDC to operate in the district and since many are labeled anti-establishment, Zanu PF felt that she could be working against the party.
“The DDC was well known for taking bribes from Chiefs and other traditional leaders in form of goats and cattle. That’s how she started a goat project which she kept in the government house and was given an eviction order which was later rescinded.
“She is the one behind the installation of Chief Nyakunhuwa from the Baramanza family which is like the biblical Ishmael house benefitting from the Israelite kingship since the house is not among the five traditional houses that were rotating since establishment,” said the source.
Another source said the demotion was also linked to the hidden treasure incident where she allegedly acquired earth moving machines through Chiduwa’s help meant to dig some treasure reportedly hidden at the government house where she is staying.
“There is a white guy who came to the DDC sometime last year and said his father was the first DDC, formerly District Administrator and said his father had buried some treasure there. When he went away Dhliwayo then informed Chiduwa and team who brought excavators to look for the treasure.
“I am not sure if they succeeded but the machines were later seized by police for some days before being taken away and that incident could have contributed to her fall,” said another source.
Dhliwayo is accused of being too petty to the extent of attending birthday parties and other small events where she would demand for fuel and pack food in lunch boxes.
