Central government interference in local affairs of the urban councils in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The paper discusses issues of democracy and good governance in Zimbabwe’s urban areas. The point of
departure is that there is too much interference from central government through the Ministry of Local
Government in local affairs. This interference has caused dispute and conflicts between the centre and
local institutions. The conflicts have resulted in dysfunctioning of urban councils. The data were collected
through documentary reviews. It was concluded that the Minister of Local Government was interfering in
urban councils through some of these methods: dismissals of councilors and mayors, appointing
councilors of special interest, appointments of governors and District Administrators, opposing urban
councils’ decisions and supporting mafia/gangs to sabotage specific projects initiated by opposition
councilors and mayors. The major argument presented as solution was the change of the current Urban
Councils Act so that the powers of the Minister are reduced.