Scrutinise councillors' character, qualifications

Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Engineer George Mlilo, has urged political parties and voters to thoroughly scrutinize the character and qualifications of councillors before electing them. He expressed concern that many of the country's current councillors prioritize personal gain over public service, blaming political parties for failing to subject their candidates to rigorous integrity, accountability, and public service tests.

Eng Mlilo argued that by ensuring only qualified and reputable individuals assume office, corruption in council chambers could be significantly reduced, leading to improved service delivery. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sunday News, the respected former senior government official, who was also the first black town engineer for Kwekwe, Gweru, and Bulawayo, highlighted the growing problem of corruption in urban local authorities and called for a return to the ethical standards upheld by previous generations of leaders.

Reflecting on his tenure as Permanent Secretary, Eng Mlilo recalled numerous cases where he had to suspend councillors for corruption-related offenses. He emphasized the need for minimum qualifications for those holding public office, stressing that leadership should not be determined by popularity alone but should also require integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.

Eng Mlilo's distinguished career began shortly after Zimbabwe's independence, during a crucial period when local professionals were striving to prove their capability to manage the country's municipalities. He recounted how, along with his colleagues, he worked hard to demonstrate that Zimbabweans could efficiently run their cities and towns without relying on former colonial administrators. However, he lamented that much of the progress made during those years is now being eroded by mismanagement and corruption within local authorities.

He pointed out that the decline in ethical standards among councillors has directly affected service delivery, particularly in urban areas, where residents are grappling with poor infrastructure, water shortages, and uncollected garbage. To address these challenges, he proposed a multi-faceted approach, starting with a thorough vetting process for councillors before elections to ensure that candidates have a proven track record of integrity and commitment to public service.

Additionally, Eng Mlilo suggested that councillors undergo mandatory training on governance, ethics, and their responsibilities in public office. He also called for stronger oversight mechanisms to hold public officials accountable for their actions and curb corruption.

As Zimbabwe continues to face urbanization challenges, Eng Mlilo's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of ethical leadership and the need to protect the country's governance structures from unscrupulous individuals. His call for reform underscores the urgency of restoring public trust in local authorities and ensuring that service delivery meets the needs of all citizens.