Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume accused of "Living in th...

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume accused of "Living in the Skies" as travel expenses soar

Zim Now Writer

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is facing scrutiny from city officials who accuse him of excessive foreign travel, claiming his frequent flights are draining the council's already limited budget at the expense of crucial service delivery. Critics have sarcastically dubbed the mayor a "resident of the skies" due to his frequent trips abroad.

A senior council official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this publication that the mayor’s travel schedule is both extensive and expensive. "He is spending much of his time in the airplane and sometimes attending some unnecessary events," the official stated, expressing frustration over the financial strain of these journeys. The official noted that the funds used for these trips require "a huge financial muscle," diverting money that could otherwise be used to address Harare’s pressing urban challenges, such as poor road infrastructure, inconsistent water supply, and waste management issues.

The criticism comes amid a period of severe financial hardship for the City of Harare, which has struggled for years to maintain basic services for its residents. The city council has often cited a lack of funds as a primary reason for its inability to provide consistent and high-quality services. The mayor’s office has yet to comment on the accusations, but the debate over his travel expenses highlights a growing tension between the city’s leadership and those who believe the focus should remain on local priorities.