Small town councillors plan US$50,000 South Korea trip

Residents of Chiredzi and disgruntled council workers have voiced strong opposition to a planned overseas trip by the town council chairperson and two junior councillors to South Korea next month. The delegation is set to attend the International World Youth Camp from July 4 to 16, but the proposal has sparked outrage due to the council's failure to pay over 200 employees their salaries for the past three months.

The lowest-paid council worker currently earns just US$150 per month, making the timing of the proposed trip, reportedly costing over US$50,000, particularly contentious.

A letter dated May 5, 2025, from the Ministry of Local Government formally invited Chiredzi Council to send representatives to the event. The letter, signed by K. Ncube on behalf of the Local Government secretary, named Council Chairperson Jameson Charumbira and two junior councillors as nominees for the delegation. It also stated that the local authority would bear the costs of the trip.

"Your esteemed local authority has been nominated to be part of the delegation representing Zimbabwe," the letter read in part. "Be advised that the local authority will be responsible for funding the expenses of participants."

The planned trip has drawn sharp criticism, notably from Chiredzi Central Member of Parliament Ropafadzo Makumire, who described the expenditure as unjustifiable given the council's dire financial situation.

"I am reaching out to express my deep concern about council spending over US$50,000 to participate in the World Youth Camp. I kindly urge the council to cancel the trip until the financial status improves, as workers have not been paid and vehicles have not been serviced," MP Makumire wrote in a letter obtained by NewsDay Weekender.

Residents and ratepayers have expressed frustration over what they see as a misallocation of scarce resources, especially amid chronic service delivery challenges in the town.

Several councillors who spoke anonymously disclosed that no formal council resolution had been passed approving the trip due to financial constraints. Despite this, some officials reportedly reversed the decision, and funds have already been withdrawn to cover airfare and related expenses.

When contacted for comment, Council Chairperson Jameson Charumbira declined to address the issue directly, instead referring inquiries to the town's management.

"Kindly talk to the chief executive officer who gets official communication on council business," Charumbira said during a brief telephone interview.

The planned trip raises broader concerns about fiscal responsibility and governance in Chiredzi, with many calling for urgent reforms to prioritise employee welfare and essential services over overseas travel.