Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MATABELAND South is stepping up efforts to fast-track development through stronger partnerships between Government and local authorities, with Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe urging councils to work in greater unity to unlock the province’s economic potential.
The minister made the call during a recent strategic planning meeting in Gwanda attended by chief executive officers, mayors, council chairpersons from all local authorities, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mrs Lathiso
Dlamini-Maseko, and directors from the Matabeleland South Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
He said closer collaboration and improved coordination were critical to accelerating socio-economic development, noting that every district possessed unique resources which, if effectively harnessed through collective action, could drive the province’s transformation.
“I want us to work as a team because at the end of the day our target is to see our province develop. Please keep my office updated on the progress you are making and on the challenges which you are facing,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“There are some challenges which we can address locally without even engaging the national office.
“There is a lot which we can do in the province if we are united and work as a team. You will note that we successfully hosted this year’s Independence Day celebrations because we were united and, as local authorities, you were forthcoming with your equipment and other resources.
“You assumed ownership of the programme. We were united and worked as a team during the planning process. This is the kind of approach that we should have when it comes to development,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe urged councils to continuously provide updates on major developments, investment opportunities and challenges requiring Government intervention to ensure effective coordination and timely decision-making.
He said the province is rich with resources, but there is a need to improve coordination in order to increase the province’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Minister Nguluvhe said sectors that have not been fully exploited must be marketed and expressed satisfaction over the growing investment momentum across various sectors such as mining, development of hotels and lodges, construction of new filling stations, and housing projects, including the conversion of former farmland and disused mines into residential areas.
“I recognise the importance of devolution funding in driving local development and, therefore, commit to engaging the Ministry of Finance to address delays in devolution disbursements affecting some councils, including Beitbridge and Plumtree,” he said.
“I urge councils to prioritise the acquisition of critical service delivery equipment using devolution funds, embrace the Government’s digital transformation agenda and ensure that all outstanding legacy projects are completed as soon as possible.”
Minister Nguluvhe confirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening local governance, promoting accountability, improving service delivery, and ensuring that devolution continues to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Matabeleland South Province.
He said councils play a crucial role in Government’s development agenda and attainment of Vision 2030, hence the need for them to be capacitated and equipped to render effective service.
During the meeting, local authorities highlighted that financial constraints were affecting their progress in service delivery.
Government has set minimum service delivery standards, which urban and rural local authorities have to meet by 2030, when the country expects to have achieved an upper-middle-income economy.
The Minimum Service Delivery Standards Indicators for Local Authorities (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (No. 1) establish legally enforceable minimum service delivery standards for both urban and rural local authorities and provide a mechanism for monitoring performance, strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency, and promoting good governance.
Local authorities are required to prioritise service delivery expenditure over administrative costs, with a recommended expenditure ratio of 70:30 in favour of service delivery.
The implementation of the framework is expected to improve service delivery outcomes, enhance residents’ access to essential services, and promote the prudent utilisation of public resources.
Compliance with the Minimum Service Delivery Standards will be monitored and evaluated by the Ministry, with non-compliant local authorities liable to corrective and disciplinary measures in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
