Local government reform in Zimbabwe: A policy dialogue
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Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Community Law Centre, University of the Western Cape
Abstract
This publication is the result of a collaborative research project of South African and
Zimbabwean academics and practitioners active in the field of local government. On 3-4
November 2009 the Community Law Centre hosted a seminar entitled “Policy Dialogue on
the Future of Local Government in Zimbabwe”. A diverse spectrum of local government
practitioners was assembled to discuss issues related to local government in Zimbabwe.
The seminar was officially opened by the Minister of Local Government, Rural and
Urban Development, Hon. Ignatius Chombo MP whose opening speech is included in this
book. The seminar was structured around six critical themes relating to local government,
namely socio-economic transformation, local government institutions and elections, local
government financing, traditional authorities, local government functions and supervision
of local government. Six esteemed authors from Zimbabwe prepared and delivered position
papers on the above subject matters against the background of comparative comments
from South African academics. Their contributions have been consolidated in this book.
In the opening paper, Kudzai Chatiza describes the historical context of the
development of local government in Zimbabwe and situates the current debate for local
autonomy within this context. He traces the historical origins of local institutions - the
establishment of the first local government authority in 1891 and the subsequent racial
policies and institutions. He shows how the liberation movements mobilised citizens against
local government institutions and programmes which symbolised colonial oppression.
After independence and specifically after 1999, Chatiza argues that the democratisation
processes were at first successful at local government level where independent and
opposition candidates were elected as councillors.
Description
Keywords
South Africa, Local government, Zimbabwe, Civil society, Socio-political
Citation
De Visser, J., Steytler, N., & Machingauta, N. (2010). Local government reform in Zimbabwe. Bellville, South Africa: Community Law Centre, University of the Western Cape.