Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Features Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S Local Government leadership has received continental recognition following the recent appointment of Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA) president Dr Aaron Shamu and the election of ZILGA vice president and Harare mayor Advocate Jacob Mafume to influential positions within the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).
The two developments place Zimbabwe at the centre of regional and continental dialogue on urban governance, decentralisation, service delivery and sustainable development, while strengthening the country’s voice in shaping policies affecting African cities and municipalities.
Shamu appointed UCLG Africa — Southern Africa Region vice president
ZILGA president Dr Aaron Shamu has been appointed vice president of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa — Southern Africa Regional Office (UCLGA — SARO), a regional body representing local authorities across Southern Africa.
The appointment places Zimbabwe in a key leadership position within the continental organisation, which promotes cooperation, policy coordination and capacity building among African local governments.
Speaking after his appointment on Thursday, Dr Shamu, who is also the Goromonzi Rural District Council chairperson, said the new role would provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to regional policy discussions on local governance and development.
“This appointment is not just about me as an individual but about Zimbabwe and its local authorities,” he said.
“It gives us a platform to participate in important policy conversations affecting cities and municipalities across Southern Africa, while also sharing our own experiences and perspectives.”
Dr Shamu said the regional body plays an important role in ensuring that the voices of local authorities are considered in broader development planning across the continent.
“We work to complement the efforts of national governments by ensuring that the concerns and priorities of local authorities are incorporated into policy formulation and development programmes,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe’s participation in the organisation would strengthen collaboration with other local governments in areas such as urban development, infrastructure planning and improved service delivery.
“This position allows us to engage with fellow African cities and municipalities, exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to common challenges facing local authorities across the region,” he said.
Dr Shamu said he would use the platform to advocate for stronger local governance systems and policies that enhance service delivery for communities.
“At the end of the day, our focus remains on improving the lives of citizens through responsive, accountable and effective local government,” he said.
UCLG Africa is the umbrella body representing local governments across the continent and works closely with national governments and development partners to strengthen decentralisation, democratic governance and sustainable urban development.
Mafume elected to continental local government body
Vice president of ZILGA and president of the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) Councillor Jacob Mafume has been elected to the board of the Pan-African Council of UCLG Africa, representing the Southern African region.
Cllr Mafume, who is also the mayor of Harare, was elected during UCLG Africa’s caucus meeting held in Zimbabwe’s capital city from February 27 to 28, 2026.
The development places the leadership of Harare at the centre of continental Local Government policy discussions.
In a statement, the City of Harare congratulated the mayor on his election, describing the development as recognition of his leadership and commitment to improving service delivery in the capital.
“The City of Harare congratulates His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Jacob Mafume, on his election to the board of the Pan-African Council of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa representing the Southern African region,” reads the statement.
A lawyer by profession, Cllr Mafume has been leading initiatives aimed at improving service delivery in the capital, with the city implementing several reforms in waste management, water supply and infrastructure development.
Residents are already witnessing improved refuse collection following the introduction of a public-private partnership with Geo Pomona Waste Management.
The partnership has transformed waste management operations in the capital, with the former Pomona dumpsite now being converted into a modern waste management facility.
The city is also undertaking major upgrades to its water infrastructure as part of efforts to improve water supply across Harare.
The council has so far installed more than 11 000 smart water meters under a modernisation programme designed to enhance water management and billing efficiency.
In addition, the local authority has launched an extensive water pipe replacement programme targeting ageing infrastructure in several suburbs.
The upgrades are expected to improve water delivery while reducing leakages and water losses across the city.
The City of Harare said it was confident Cllr Mafume would contribute significantly to advancing the interests of cities in the region in his new continental role.
“We wish Cllr Mafume all the best in his new role,” the council said.
The appointments of Dr Shamu and Cllr Mafume reflect Zimbabwe’s growing contribution to continental dialogue on urban governance, decentralisation and sustainable development, reinforcing the role of local authorities in shaping the future of African cities.
