News / National
Government caps council delegations to 2026 ZITF
24 Apr 2026 at 10:33hrs |
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The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has limited each local authority's delegation to the 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to a maximum of five officials, in a move aimed at curbing wasteful public spending.
In a directive issued by Permanent Secretary Dr John Bhasera, councils were instructed to ensure lean representation at the annual trade showcase, which will be held in Bulawayo.
Under the new rules, each council delegation must consist of the town clerk or chief executive officer, mayor or chairperson, public relations officer, and two additional supporting staff members.
The ministry said the structure is mandatory and applies uniformly across all local authorities.
"To ensure coordinated, efficient and cost-effective representation… this composition is mandatory," the directive read, adding that non-compliance could affect future participation in such events.
The decision has been welcomed by residents' groups, who say councils have in the past sent oversized delegations to the trade fair, resulting in unnecessary expenditure on allowances, travel and accommodation.
Harare Residents Trust executive director Precious Shumba said the move addresses long-standing concerns over misuse of ratepayers' funds, although he urged flexibility for different categories of councils.
He said past delegations often included officials whose attendance had little relevance to marketing council services.
Chipinge resident Godwin Mlambo also supported the directive, but warned that councils must ensure service delivery is not disrupted when key officials attend external events.
He said there have been cases where operations stalled because senior staff were away at conferences, delaying essential approvals such as fuel allocations for service equipment.
The ministry's directive forms part of broader efforts to improve financial discipline and accountability within local authorities, many of which have faced criticism over poor service delivery, rising debts, and weak financial management.
Officials say the new cap is intended to ensure councils focus spending on priority services while still maintaining a presence at national investment and trade platforms.
In a directive issued by Permanent Secretary Dr John Bhasera, councils were instructed to ensure lean representation at the annual trade showcase, which will be held in Bulawayo.
Under the new rules, each council delegation must consist of the town clerk or chief executive officer, mayor or chairperson, public relations officer, and two additional supporting staff members.
The ministry said the structure is mandatory and applies uniformly across all local authorities.
"To ensure coordinated, efficient and cost-effective representation… this composition is mandatory," the directive read, adding that non-compliance could affect future participation in such events.
The decision has been welcomed by residents' groups, who say councils have in the past sent oversized delegations to the trade fair, resulting in unnecessary expenditure on allowances, travel and accommodation.
Harare Residents Trust executive director Precious Shumba said the move addresses long-standing concerns over misuse of ratepayers' funds, although he urged flexibility for different categories of councils.
He said past delegations often included officials whose attendance had little relevance to marketing council services.
Chipinge resident Godwin Mlambo also supported the directive, but warned that councils must ensure service delivery is not disrupted when key officials attend external events.
He said there have been cases where operations stalled because senior staff were away at conferences, delaying essential approvals such as fuel allocations for service equipment.
The ministry's directive forms part of broader efforts to improve financial discipline and accountability within local authorities, many of which have faced criticism over poor service delivery, rising debts, and weak financial management.
Officials say the new cap is intended to ensure councils focus spending on priority services while still maintaining a presence at national investment and trade platforms.
Source - Manica Post
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