Bernard Manyenyeni Biography | Wife, Health, Career in the Financial Sector, Career as Mayor of Harare, Arrest
This is the biography of Bernard Manyenyeni, also known as Ben Manyenyeni, a Zimbabwean business executive, politician, and former Mayor of Harare. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, primarily managing group pension funds. Manyenyeni served as the Mayor of Harare from 2013 to 2018, succeeded by Herbert Gomba.
Health
In July 2021, Manyenyeni and his wife Francesica were admitted to a private hospital in Harare after contracting Covid-19 at a relative’s funeral in Murewa.
Wife
Manyenyeni is married to Francesica.
Education
Manyenyeni attended St Clare’s Primary School in Murewa, Murehwa Central Primary School, Bindura Salvation Army Primary School in Bindura, St Ignatius College, and Marlborough High School for his primary and secondary education.
Career
Throughout his career, Manyenyeni held various positions in the financial services sector:
- Sales and Reservations Assistant at Air Malawi Limited (March 1985 to August 1985)
- Junior Account Executive at Old Mutual Limited Group Pensions (September 1985 to July 1990)
- Senior Broker at Zimbabwe Insurance Brokers Limited (August 1990 to May 1998)
- Divisional Manager (May 1998) and Operations Director (June 1999) at AON Zimbabwe
- Marketing Director (August 2003) and subsequently Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (October 2004) at GP2 Asset Management. The company ceased operations in 2005.
- Currently the General Manager and Principal Officer of Altfin Life Assurance Company.
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Career as Mayor of Harare
Manyenyeni’s political career began when he became the councillor for Ward 17, Mount Pleasant, in 2013. In September 2013, he was elected as the Mayor of Harare, defeating Zanu-PF’s Musatye Gwasira by a margin of 31 votes. He succeeded Muchadeyi Masunda.
Suspension
In 2016, Manyenyeni was suspended as mayor and faced arrest at the instigation of the Minister of Local Government, Saviour Kasukuwere, and Jonathan Moyo. He was accused of various offenses, including the alleged improper appointment of former NMB Bank chief executive James Mushore as the city’s town clerk by the Resolution of Council.
Manyenyeni challenged his suspension in the High Court, seeking its nullification and the court’s intervention to prevent Minister Kasukuwere from interfering with his duties as Mayor of Harare. He also argued that the minister was abusing the legal process by repeatedly suspending him with fresh charges each time his suspension period expired. The judge agreed with Manyenyeni and revoked the second suspension.
Arrest
On June 29, 2016, Bernard Manyenyeni was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) soon after the High Court granted his application to prevent Minister Saviour Kasukuwere from suspending, dismissing, or removing him from his position as Mayor of Harare. He was charged with criminal abuse of public office related to his appointment of James Mushore as Harare’s town clerk.
Recall
On February 14, 2018, Bernard Manyenyeni was recalled as Mayor by Harare City Councillors. The recall was based on allegations that he no longer cooperated with fellow councillors, disregarded the wishes and aspirations of the opposition party, and failed to follow party orders in the discharge of his duties. He was replaced by his deputy, Enock Mupamawonde. Manyenyeni had been critical of the quality and calibre of councillors and advocated for educated individuals to be elected. Disparities in remuneration between municipal employees and those in the government and private sector were also among the issues he raised.
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Turning down an honorary degree
Bernard Manyenyeni declined an honorary doctorate from the Dubai Leadership Summit, stating that these honorary degrees were a mockery to Zimbabwe. He believed that an honorary degree should come from a reputable institution and be earned through service rather than being a mere formality.
