Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Mat South Bureau Chief
GWANDA Rural District Council (RDC), in partnership with various stakeholders, is developing a new five-year strategic plan that will guide the district’s development trajectory from 2026 to 2030, aligning it with the national aspiration of having an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The local authority is holding a five-day planning workshop bringing together councillors, Government departments, miners, farmers and non-governmental organisations, among others, to contribute to the framework.
In an interview, Gwanda RDC chief executive officer Mr Ranganai Sibanda said the new plan will replace the current 2021–2025 strategy and will be guided by Statutory Instrument 170 of 2025 on Minimum Service Delivery Standards Indicators for Local Authorities.
“We are crafting our five-year strategic plan for 2026 to 2030, which will outline our development priorities in line with the National Development Strategy and the broader Vision 2030 objective of achieving an upper-middle-income society,” he said.
“We started by reviewing our current plan to identify strengths and gaps. The new plan will be followed by annual implementation strategies derived from the main document.”
Mr Sibanda said the plan will centre on key development pillars under the NDS framework, including inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development and housing, climate resilience and food security, job creation, youth empowerment, social protection, devolution and decentralisation and good governance.
Gwanda District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu said the strategic plan is a crucial document that provides direction and co-ordination for all stakeholders involved in local development.
She said developing a strategic plan is essential for setting a clear vision, assessing the current situation and defining priorities such as service delivery, infrastructure and investment promotion.
“The process of developing a strategic plan involves setting a vision, assessing the current situation, and outlining priorities like service delivery, infrastructure development, and creating a conducive investment environment, while aligning with national goals such as those in the NDS framework,” said Ms Ndlovu.
She said once developed, the plan must be implemented and monitored, adding that it becomes a reference point for Government departments, local authorities and development partners working within the district.
Ms Ndlovu added that reviewing previous plans helps identify successes and areas needing improvement.
“Key aspects of this process include modernising council systems, ensuring good governance and financial accountability, and strengthening stakeholder participation. It’s also about balancing short-term service delivery with long-term transformation goals,” she said.
The Gwanda RDC strategic plan is expected to serve as a blueprint for co-ordinated development in the district, ensuring that local projects and programmes contribute directly to the national vision of achieving.
