The transparency and accountability deficits within Zimbabwe’s local government structures demand urgent attention. Local governance has been plagued by central government interference, over-centralisation of authority, mismanagement of resources and deeply entrenched corruption. These issues severely compromise service delivery, weaken public trust and infringe on constitutional mandates that call for decentralisation and citizen-centred governance.
Under Chapter 14 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, devolution is enshrined as a core pillar of local governance. Yet, the ruling party continues to manipulate these structures to secure political dominance. Ministers of Local Government have frequently disregarded these constitutional mandates, exercising substantial control over local budget approvals, appointments and key resource allocations - power that should rest with the local councils and representatives elected by the people. Instead of devolving powers, the central government exercises overwhelming influence, often using political connections to appoint unqualified individuals to key roles, a practice observed in cities like Harare and Chitungwiza. This centralisation of power not only undercuts local autonomy but also hampers development efforts by preventing local authorities from implementing their own budgets and resource plans.
Zimbabwe’s local governance suffers from endemic corruption exacerbated by ineffective oversight and a lack of prosecutorial follow-through. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), while established to counteract corruption, lacks prosecutorial powers, relying on the National Prosecuting Authority, which often fails to take decisive action. Moreover, despite promises, the whistleblower protection laws remain weak, leaving those who report corruption exposed to retaliation. This has severely eroded trust in ZACC and other oversight bodies.
High-profile individuals linked to local government corruption face few consequences. For instance, some local government officials have been implicated in embezzling funds meant for essential services, such as healthcare and infrastructure. Reports indicate that corruption in local government not only redirects funds meant for public services but has also resulted in dismal service delivery, with citizens forced to pay bribes to access basic services like water and waste management.
Zimbabwe’s local governance has been plagued by entrenched crime syndicates and influential “land barons” who exploit public resources through complex and systemic corruption. Local government entities, including Harare and Gokwe councils, have become hotspots for these syndicates, often operating with impunity due to collusion with higher-ranking officials. For instance, the Harare City Council (HCC) has faced scrutiny over illegal land deals where so-called "land barons" have seized public spaces to resell them illegally, often with tacit approval from council officials or even certain individuals from the ruling ZANU-PF party.The Pomona Waste Management deal stands as a prominent example. It involves a contentious agreement between HCC and Geogenix BV, a Netherlands-based company, with a 30-year contract worth $240 million USD. When Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume opposed the arrangement, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba allegedly threatened him with arrest. Despite widespread criticism and council objections, the government enforced the contract, suggesting a brazen disregard for municipal autonomy and public interest.
In Gokwe, council officials have faced accusations of turning the council into a “cash cow” to finance personal luxuries and illegal allowances. The Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) revealed in early 2023 that Gokwe council members engaged in unauthorised procurement deals, such as purchasing river sand from a Harare-based firm despite abundant local resources. Moreover, allegations surfaced that an Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) official was protecting corrupt council officers in exchange for favourable perks, including discounts on bills, illustrating the high-level protection that enables these crime networks to operate openly.
The fiscal mismanagement and opacity within local councils have had a direct impact on public welfare. For instance, the local budget for Bulawayo in recent years was lower than the cost of a single football transfer in Europe, illustrating the insufficiency of funds allocated for essential public services. The situation has been worsened by poor revenue collection strategies and reliance on citizen rates and levies, which place an unfair burden on economically disadvantaged residents.
The United Zimbabwe Alliance will implement the following solutions:
Immediate Enforcement of Devolution: The UZA government will uphold Chapter 14 of the Constitution by transferring genuine decision-making authority and financial control to local governments. The interference of central government officials in local governance processes must be curtailed.
Strengthening Oversight and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms: UZA will empower ZACC with prosecutorial powers, establish a robust whistleblower protection framework and ensure transparent and independent audits of local government finances.
Crackdown on Corruption: We will initiate thorough investigations into known crime syndicates operating within local governance, particularly those involved in land misappropriation and unauthorised construction permits, to dismantle their influence on local governance.
Restructure Revenue Generation: We will introduce sustainable revenue generation frameworks that reduce dependence on citizen levies. Local governments should leverage their assets to create alternative revenue streams that do not unduly burden citizens.
Public Participation: UZA will also ensure that local government processes, such as budgeting and decision-making, are conducted transparently with active citizen participation. Mechanisms for residents to monitor and report on local government performance should be strengthened.
Local governance in Zimbabwe requires urgent reform to restore public confidence and meet the constitutional expectations of devolution, transparency and accountability. Only by addressing these pressing issues can we hope to realise a future in which local governance serves the people with integrity and dedication.
