Calls grow for return of executive mayors

Calls are mounting for Zimbabwe to reinstate its executive mayor system, amid growing concern that elected mayors and councillors lack the authority needed to run local authorities effectively. Government officials say the issue will be raised with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. The post of executive mayor was abolished in 2008 under the Local Government Laws Amendment Act No.

1 of 2008. The role was replaced with largely ceremonial mayors, while executive authority shifted to town clerks and council management teams. The matter resurfaced in Parliament, where legislators said councillors and mayors are increasingly blamed for service delivery failures despite having limited executive authority.

Shamva South MP Joseph Mapiki questioned whether mechanisms existed to manage or remove non-performing officials. “My supplementary question is, indeed the Minister said there is a problem with elections, but as a Harare resident I am asking: are there no other measures in place, such as a committee to manage people who are failing to perform their duties properly? If we continue like this towards 2030, it will be a challenge,” he said.

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Responding, the Leader of Government Business, Dr Anxious Masuka, acknowledged public frustration over poor service delivery. “If we continue to give responsibilities to those who have failed to deliver properly, it will not be acceptable,” said Dr Masuka, who is also Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. “What if we consider bringing in new people who are capable of delivering? I will take this matter to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.” The debate shifted when Chikanga MP Lynette Karenyi Kore argued that councillors and mayors were being unfairly blamed for failures largely attributable to council management.

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