Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
CABINET yesterday approved the Principles of the Architects Amendment Bill, that seeks to impose professional and accountable behaviour among practitioners, while extending regulation of other stakeholders associated with the profession.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, while addressing a post-Cabinet meeting held in Harare yesterday.
“The architectural profession in Zimbabwe, like in other jurisdictions, is a specialised and merit-based field that demands professional rigour, ethical accountability, and adherence to statutory requirements outlined in the Architects Act (Chapter 27:01).
“However, the profession has recently faced significant challenges due to an influx of graduates practicing without mandatory registration with the Architects Council,” said Dr Muswere.
“To address these issues, the amendment aims to reinforce the Council’s authority, ensuring that only qualified and registered professionals undertake architectural work in Zimbabwe.”
Dr Muswere said the proposed Bill also seeks to accommodate other professions within the architectural training.
“The amendment also seeks to accommodate various professionals with architectural training, such as architectural technologists, technicians, draftsmen, interior architects and landscape architects,” he said.
Commenting on the provisions of the Bill, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe said the principal law excluded other professionals within the architectural framework thereby creating a breeding ground of indiscipline.
He said the proposed Bill will now accommodate other professionals related to the profession who should equally be regulated.
