The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works will now play a direct and active role in the recruitment of senior council officials, following growing concerns over the skills, competence, and integrity of individuals occupying key positions in local authorities. The move aims to strengthen transparency, curb corruption, and ensure that councils are staffed by professionals capable of driving service delivery and community development.
This development comes in the wake of a high-profile scandal at Hurungwe Rural District Council (RDC), where three senior officials were sentenced by the High Court to a combined 174 years in prison for defrauding the council of over US$65,000. The stolen funds were earmarked for critical infrastructure projects, and the case sent shockwaves through the local government sector, prompting calls for tighter oversight of recruitment and governance.
In response, the Ministry issued a circular to all town clerks, secretaries, chief executive officers, and board secretaries outlining new recruitment guidelines. Permanent Secretary Dr John Bhasera emphasised the importance of placing competent and qualified individuals in leadership roles within local authorities.
“The National Vision 2030 can only be achieved when the right people are in the right positions to drive processes aimed at improving service delivery and the livelihoods of their communities. To this end, it is imperative that we strive to ensure compliance with procedures and guidelines on selection and recruitment as outlined in Ministerial Circulars currently in force,” Dr Bhasera said.
The new directives require councils to submit draft job advertisements for ministerial approval prior to publicising vacancies. Additionally, applicant lists must undergo joint background checks before candidates are shortlisted. The Ministry, through the Department of Local Authorities and Inspectorate, will now actively participate in all interview processes until final selections are made, ensuring that appointments are merit-based and free from undue influence.
Another key measure prohibits the repeated use of officials from a single local authority as panellists in multiple recruitment exercises. According to the Ministry, there is a sufficiently wide pool of qualified practitioners across the country, and reliance on a narrow set of panel members increases the risk of nepotism or partiality.
Government Tightens Oversight of Council Recruitment to Boost Accountability
These reforms are designed to professionalise council recruitment, enhance accountability, and reduce the risk of corruption. By instituting checks at multiple stages—from advertisement approval to panel participation—the government aims to create a transparent system that strengthens public confidence in local governance.
While the move is widely seen as necessary to restore public trust, some observers caution that increased ministerial involvement could spark debate over political interference in local governance. Councils traditionally enjoy a degree of autonomy in managing their affairs, and the expanded role of the Ministry may be viewed by some as a centralisation of authority.
Political analysts note, however, that the measures come at a time when public frustration over corruption and mismanagement has reached a peak, particularly in rural councils where oversight has historically been weaker. Ensuring that competent, qualified, and ethical officials occupy senior positions is essential for achieving national development objectives, including infrastructure improvements, service delivery, and social welfare programmes.
“The reforms reflect an urgent need to professionalise council leadership. Local authorities manage substantial budgets and are responsible for essential services. Mismanagement erodes public trust and undermines development,” said one governance expert. “These new recruitment measures are a step toward restoring confidence while protecting public resources.”
Officials say that by tightening recruitment processes, the government hopes to accelerate the delivery of critical services, including water supply, road maintenance, sanitation, and housing. Competent leadership within councils will also be better positioned to coordinate with central government agencies and development partners, ensuring that programmes align with Zimbabwe’s broader Vision 2030 objectives.
Dr Bhasera highlighted that the reforms are not intended to disempower councils but to provide necessary oversight, particularly in areas where previous recruitment exercises have fallen short. “We are committed to ensuring that local authorities have the right human capital to implement development initiatives effectively. Proper recruitment is foundational to good governance and sustainable service delivery,” he said.
As the new guidelines take effect, councils are expected to align their recruitment processes with the ministry’s requirements. Observers anticipate that the reforms will gradually professionalise local governance structures, reduce instances of fraud, and foster accountability across Zimbabwe’s 92 rural and urban councils.
While the expanded ministerial role marks a significant shift in local government dynamics, authorities insist it is a critical step toward achieving the dual goals of transparent administration and improved community livelihoods. For Zimbabwe, the success of these reforms will be measured not only in clean appointments but also in enhanced service delivery, more effective use of public funds, and the restoration of citizen confidence in local governance.
Source- Bulawayo24
