Who Makes a Good Ward Councillor The Ongoing Debate on The Local Government System in Zimbabwe

Authors

  • PRECIOUS SHUMBA He is Harare Residents Trust, Harare, Zimbabwe Author

Keywords:

electorate, criteria, democracy, local authority

Abstract

This article examines the role of councillors as overseers, representatives of the electorate and policy-makers in Zimbabwe’surban local authorities using document analysis and key informant interviews with local government experts and former ward councillors. The study unpacks the criteria set in legislation and the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 20) Act of 2013, examines the role of councillors within local authorities, the residents’ expectations of ward councillors and concludes with debates on the minimum educational requirements for councillors. Councillors play three critical roles, those of policy-making, representation and oversight, as well as facilitating community development within their respective wards. The study scrutinises the criteria required for one to effectively deliver in their role as ward councillor. To have an appreciation of the functions of a councillor and the criteria needed to be more effective and efficient, the article highlights the key functions of the local authority as the institution through which councillors conduct their work to meet social service delivery needs of the citizens

Author Biography

  • PRECIOUS SHUMBA, He is Harare Residents Trust, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Precious Shumba is a journalist, who has previously reported for the Manica Post, the Eastern Star and the Daily News where he worked as a Senior Reporter until 2005 before joining the Combined Harare Residents’ Association (CHRA) as the organisation’s Spokesman and Information Officer before moving to Action Aid International as a Governance Consultant until May 2008. In 2007, Shumba participated in the United States of America (USA) State Department’ International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP- Transparency and Good Governance, Africa Region program). As a Christian, he has also voluntarily served in the media and communications portfolio in the Anglican Diocese of Harare, and subsequently served as the Press Officer for the retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Harare, Dr Chad Nicholas Gandiya. As one of the major highlights of his achievements, in February 2008, he founded the Harare Residents Trust (HRT), a residents’ organisation operating in Harare Metropolitan Province, advocating for increased citizenship participation, empowering the citizens to hold public institutions and officials accountable for their decisions and policies. The HRT model is structured in the same lines as the United States-based Jacksonville Community Council International (JCCI), a United Nations Best Practice, promoting community participation and accountability in Northern Florida. Competencies include but not limited to strong analytical skills, professional, thorough and a strong advocate for social accountability. He is currently the Director of the HRT. Our major success has been the staying power, fighting alongside the residents to demand transparent and accountable social services without turning to the left or to the right. Now we have 94 democratically elected suburban residents’ structures that articulate their own issues. Precious holds a BSc. Honours Degree in Social and Gender Development Studies and a MSc. Sociology and Social Anthropology from the University of Zimbabwe, along with other qualifications in journalism and project planning management. 

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Published

2024-10-10

Issue

Volume 3, Issues 1 and 2 (2024)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Who Makes a Good Ward Councillor The Ongoing Debate on The Local Government System in Zimbabwe. (2024). Kuveza NeKuumba: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University Journal of Design, Innovative Thinking and Practice, 3(1 & 2), Pages: 190 - 210. http://journals.zegu.ac.zw/index.php/knk/article/view/180

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