"Can you imaging MPs refusing to pass a budget simply because they want to arm-twist the finance minister into paying their outstanding allowances? It's like they are more interested in their own welfare than in shaping policies that advance the aspirations of the nation," he said.
MPs also recently demanded to be paid gratuities at the end of their five-year tenure in 2013, much to the chagrin of ordinary citizens.
Mafura said he hoped that the political parties would vet potential candidates before they went for intra-party primary elections to choose their representatives in the national elections.
"People should not simply be elected into office because they can shout party slogans harder than the rest or because they are related to some heavy-weight in the party.
"For council positions, only ratepayers should be allowed to stand so that we avoid situations like those that characterized Harare City Council when some councilors with no houses of their own attempted to push some council tenants out of their homes," he said.
An official with a local government association who declined to be named echoed Mafura's sentiments and said public officials should be selfless and dedicated to their work.
"I want one who is selfless and puts people's interests first before self; one with an occupation and who is not looking to live off the people. I would also want one who will not make too many demands on public funds - we don't want destitutes for councilors, " the official said.
Kurauone Chihwayi, spokesman for the smaller MDC faction in government led by Industry and Commerce Minister Welshman Ncube, said elected officials should be honest, hardworking, accessible and credible.
Detective-Conan-themed Lawson convenience store opens in Shanghai
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