Gwanda RDC councillors protest cattle levy ban

Councillors at Gwanda Rural District Council (RDC) have voiced strong concern over a new government directive abolishing cattle levy collections, warning the move could significantly weaken council revenues and disrupt livestock management systems.

The concerns follow the introduction of Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026, which prohibits local authorities from collecting cattle levies and livestock movement clearance fees—previously a key income stream for many rural councils.

Gwanda RDC chief executive officer Ranganai Sibanda confirmed that the local authority had already ceased collecting the levy in line with the law.

"There is the new SI 41 of 2026 which has abolished the cattle levy, meaning we are no longer collecting this levy as a local authority because there is now a law that stops us from doing so," he said.

The directive is linked to a new decentralised livestock marketing framework spearheaded by the Agricultural Marketing Authority, aimed at reforming cattle sales through structured rural auctions designed to improve market access and pricing transparency.

Council treasurer Sicelesile Ncube said the council had received official communication outlining the new model, which will utilise existing rural infrastructure such as dip tanks and drought mitigation centres to support livestock trading.

Under the new system, a service fee payable by buyers will cover operational costs including animal grading, weighbridge services, auction facilitation and security.

Authorities say the model is being piloted in selected provinces with the involvement of stakeholders such as local authorities, private auctioneers, farmers' associations, veterinary services and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, with a national rollout expected after evaluation.

However, councillors argued that the changes sideline local authorities and communities that have historically invested in cattle sale infrastructure.

One councillor criticised the lack of consultation, saying communities were being excluded from decisions affecting assets they developed and maintained.

Another raised concerns over sustainability, questioning who would take responsibility for maintaining infrastructure and managing stray livestock under the new system.

"There is little we can do when Government has passed it, but who is going to maintain the structures, and what will happen to stray cattle?" the councillor asked.

Others highlighted the potential financial impact, noting that councils previously relied on livestock-related revenue to fund operations and maintain facilities.

"We invested a lot in these cattle sales… What is going to happen now? We are allowing people to come and operate and take the money without consultation," another councillor said.

Council chairperson Mphathiswa Ncube acknowledged the concerns but suggested the directive likely had Cabinet backing, limiting the council's ability to challenge it individually.

"If we want to lobby or challenge the decision, it must be done through the Association of Rural District Councils so that we speak with one voice," he said.

Despite the setback, the council indicated it would retain a role in facilitating livestock auctions and may continue earning a percentage from sales, provided it complies with the new legal framework.

The development sets the stage for further engagement between rural councils and central government, as local authorities weigh the financial and operational implications of the new livestock marketing model.