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Zanu-PF resolution puts council fatcats on notice?
2 hrs ago |
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The ruling Zanu PF party has resolved to introduce term limits for town clerks, chief executive officers and senior executives in local authorities, in what is being described as a decisive step in Zimbabwe's fight against corruption and administrative decay.
The resolution, adopted at the party's 22nd National People's Conference held in Mutare, seeks to promote accountability and performance-based leadership within councils that have long been accused of mismanagement and abuse of office.
According to the resolution, the imposition of term limits is intended to "dismantle entrenched corruption networks" that have crippled service delivery in both urban and rural local authorities.
For years, councils have been mired in allegations of graft involving top executives, with scandals ranging from illegal land allocations and inflated tenders to misuse of ratepayers' funds.
Municipalities such as Harare, Gweru, Chitungwiza and Mutare have frequently come under the spotlight for corruption-related controversies that have eroded public trust and undermined service delivery.
"The absence of term limits fostered entitlement and fuelled corruption, as executives remained in office for decades, manipulating systems and networks to shield themselves," a senior party official said after the conference.
The party noted that the measure was aimed at curbing what it described as "a culture of entitlement and impunity" among some long-serving officials who had turned councils into "personal fiefdoms."
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly declared zero tolerance for corruption and warned that officials who abuse public office will face consequences.
"Those who abuse their offices, whether by colluding with land barons or stealing public resources, will be held accountable," Mnangagwa said recently. "We will not stop at anything until this scourge is eradicated."
The conference noted that local authorities, which should be drivers of economic growth, had instead become "dens of looting," with corruption stalling investment, worsening service delivery and increasing the cost of doing business.
To strengthen accountability, the Government recently established a joint taskforce between the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The taskforce has been mandated to investigate, recommend prosecutions and ensure swift action against corruption in councils.
Analysts said the introduction of term limits could help revitalise governance if coupled with strong implementation mechanisms.
"Term limits can help break patronage networks, encourage innovation, and restore confidence in local government institutions," governance expert Dr. Tapera Mudzengi said. "But it must go beyond resolutions - it requires legislation and consistent enforcement."
Countries such as Botswana, Singapore and Rwanda have successfully implemented similar systems, linking local authority tenure to performance evaluation and transparency standards. These models have been credited with improving public service efficiency and curbing graft.
In Zimbabwe, however, corruption in councils has led to collapsing infrastructure, uncollected refuse, water shortages, and decaying roads, leaving citizens frustrated and local economies stagnant.
Observers say the new Zanu PF resolution could mark a turning point if supported by broader reforms, including lifestyle audits for council executives, transparent recruitment processes, and public disclosure of financial reports.
"This is a bold move which was long overdue," said a local governance activist in Bulawayo. "But it must not end as a conference resolution - it needs action."
As the Government pursues Vision 2030, officials say strengthening local governance remains key to economic transformation.
If implemented, the term limit policy could usher in a new era of integrity and renewal in Zimbabwe's councils - a move observers say is essential to restoring confidence, rebuilding cities, and advancing national development.
The resolution, adopted at the party's 22nd National People's Conference held in Mutare, seeks to promote accountability and performance-based leadership within councils that have long been accused of mismanagement and abuse of office.
According to the resolution, the imposition of term limits is intended to "dismantle entrenched corruption networks" that have crippled service delivery in both urban and rural local authorities.
For years, councils have been mired in allegations of graft involving top executives, with scandals ranging from illegal land allocations and inflated tenders to misuse of ratepayers' funds.
Municipalities such as Harare, Gweru, Chitungwiza and Mutare have frequently come under the spotlight for corruption-related controversies that have eroded public trust and undermined service delivery.
"The absence of term limits fostered entitlement and fuelled corruption, as executives remained in office for decades, manipulating systems and networks to shield themselves," a senior party official said after the conference.
The party noted that the measure was aimed at curbing what it described as "a culture of entitlement and impunity" among some long-serving officials who had turned councils into "personal fiefdoms."
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly declared zero tolerance for corruption and warned that officials who abuse public office will face consequences.
"Those who abuse their offices, whether by colluding with land barons or stealing public resources, will be held accountable," Mnangagwa said recently. "We will not stop at anything until this scourge is eradicated."
The conference noted that local authorities, which should be drivers of economic growth, had instead become "dens of looting," with corruption stalling investment, worsening service delivery and increasing the cost of doing business.
Analysts said the introduction of term limits could help revitalise governance if coupled with strong implementation mechanisms.
"Term limits can help break patronage networks, encourage innovation, and restore confidence in local government institutions," governance expert Dr. Tapera Mudzengi said. "But it must go beyond resolutions - it requires legislation and consistent enforcement."
Countries such as Botswana, Singapore and Rwanda have successfully implemented similar systems, linking local authority tenure to performance evaluation and transparency standards. These models have been credited with improving public service efficiency and curbing graft.
In Zimbabwe, however, corruption in councils has led to collapsing infrastructure, uncollected refuse, water shortages, and decaying roads, leaving citizens frustrated and local economies stagnant.
Observers say the new Zanu PF resolution could mark a turning point if supported by broader reforms, including lifestyle audits for council executives, transparent recruitment processes, and public disclosure of financial reports.
"This is a bold move which was long overdue," said a local governance activist in Bulawayo. "But it must not end as a conference resolution - it needs action."
As the Government pursues Vision 2030, officials say strengthening local governance remains key to economic transformation.
If implemented, the term limit policy could usher in a new era of integrity and renewal in Zimbabwe's councils - a move observers say is essential to restoring confidence, rebuilding cities, and advancing national development.
Source - The Chronicle
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