Online Reporter
Nick Mangwana
Government Up Close
THE more an economy develops, the more the need for devolution becomes apparent, and Zimbabwe is no exception. A situation where decisions about development priorities are made by distant authorities, often without regard for the unique needs and challenges of local communities, is no longer sustainable. A resident of Harare, for instance, cannot possibly know the specific needs of a village in Mwenezi or Dete. They cannot accurately determine that a new school is more important than a bridge or a clinic, without understanding the local context.
It is the people of Mwenezi or Dete who are best placed to determine their own priorities. They know whether their community needs potable water, a new clinic, or improved infrastructure. By devolving power and resources to local authorities, communities can take ownership of their development and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources. This approach not only promotes more effective development but also fosters a sense of community empowerment and ownership. By giving communities the autonomy to decide their priorities, we can unlock the potential for sustainable development and ensure that resources are used to maximum effect.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe, specifically Chapter 14, provides a framework for devolution, recognising the importance of decentralising power and resources to local authorities. Section 264 of the Constitution outlines the principles underlying devolution, including the need to “give powers of local governance to the people and enhance their participation in the governance of their communities.” This provision underscores the importance of empowering local communities to take ownership of their development and make decisions that affect their lives.
By enshrining devolution in the Constitution, Zimbabwe made a commitment to promoting democratic governance and community empowerment. The constitutional provisions provide a foundation for the devolution agenda, emphasizing the need for accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in the governance of local communities. As Zimbabwe continues to implement its devolution agenda, it is essential to note that the Government is leading stakeholders in adhering to these constitutional principles, ensuring that power and resources are devolved to local authorities in a manner that promotes sustainable development and community empowerment.
In 2019, Zimbabwe published the Devolution and Decentralisation Policy, a ground-breaking document that outlines the country’s vision for decentralising power and resources to local authorities. This policy marks a significant shift in the country’s governance landscape, recognising the importance of empowering local communities to take ownership of their development. The policy is built on the principles of democratic governance, accountability, and transparency, and aims to promote more effective service delivery, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
The Devolution and Decentralisation Policy highlights the need for a more decentralised approach to governance, where decision-making power is devolved to local authorities. This approach recognises that local communities are best placed to understand their unique needs and challenges and that they should be empowered to make decisions about their own development. By promoting a more decentralised approach to governance, the policy aims to foster a sense of community ownership and participation in development initiatives.
A key feature of the policy is the establishment of a framework for devolving power and resources to local authorities. This framework outlines the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government and provides a clear guide for implementing devolution. The policy also emphasizes the need for capacity building and resource mobilisation to support the implementation of devolution.
The Devolution and Decentralisation Policy is a critical step towards promoting sustainable development and community empowerment in Zimbabwe. Through decentralising power and resources to local authorities, the Government is ensuring that resources are used more effectively and efficiently. As Zimbabwe continues to implement its devolution agenda, it is essential that the Government and stakeholders work together to ensure that the policy is implemented in a manner that promotes sustainable development and community empowerment.
By decentralising power and resources to local authorities, the Government is ensuring that economic development initiatives are more targeted and effective, leading to increased economic activity and job creation. Local authorities and their communities are better positioned to identify and exploit local economic opportunities, such as tourism, agriculture, and small-scale industries, which can contribute to national economic growth.
Devolution can also promote economic growth by encouraging private sector investment and entrepreneurship at the local level. By giving local authorities the autonomy to make decisions about economic development, devolution can create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Local authorities can also provide targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises, such as training and capacity-building programmes, to help them grow and succeed. By fostering a more conducive business environment, devolution can contribute to increased economic activity, job creation, and poverty reduction, ultimately leading to sustainable economic growth and development.
The rotation of national events across different provinces is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and unity in Zimbabwe in line with the devolution agenda. By hosting national events in various parts of the country, the Government is demonstrating its commitment to decentralising power and promoting development in all regions. This approach recognises that Zimbabwe is a unitary state, and every citizen must feel that they belong and have a stake in national projects and initiatives. By rotating national events, the Government is ensuring that all regions feel included and valued, promoting a sense of national unity and cohesion.
Rotating national events also helps to promote development in different regions of the country. By hosting national events in various Provinces, the Government triggers investment in infrastructure development, such as roads, bridges, and public facilities, which benefit local communities. This approach can also help to promote tourism and economic development in different regions, showcasing the unique cultural, natural, and economic heritage of each Province. Promoting development in all regions ensures that the benefits of growth are shared equitably among all citizens.
The rotation of national events can also help to change the narrative that national projects are only for certain regions or cities. By hosting national events in different Provinces, the Government is demonstrating that national projects are for everyone, regardless of where they live. This approach is helping to promote a sense of ownership and belonging among citizens, ensuring that they feel invested in national projects and initiatives. By promoting inclusivity and unity, the rotation of national events is helping to build a more cohesive and harmonious society, where every citizen feels valued and included.
Countries in the SADC region have also taken note of Zimbabwe’s devolution efforts, with some even drawing inspiration from its approach. For instance, South Africa has commended Zimbabwe’s commitment to decentralising power and promoting development in all regions through the rotation of national events. This approach is seen as a symbol of inclusivity and unity, values that South Africa also strives to uphold in its own governance structure. Similarly, Zambia has praised Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote community participation and ownership in development initiatives, recognizing the potential for devolution to drive economic growth and reduce inequality. Both South Africa and Zambia acknowledge that Zimbabwe’s progress in devolution is commendable, and its experiences can offer valuable lessons for other countries in the region striving to strengthen local governance and community engagement.
Effective devolution is bridging the gap between Government and citizens, reducing geographical and bureaucratic distances. By bringing services closer to local communities, devolution is increasing the speed and efficiency of service delivery, allowing citizens to access essential services and file complaints more easily. This, in turn, can help to build trust and promote a sense of ownership among local communities, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and equitable development. By prioritising the needs and aspirations of all its citizens, Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda can help to reduce marginalisation and promote national unity.
The principle of leaving no one and no place behind is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda. By decentralising power and resources to local authorities, the government aims to ensure that all regions and communities have access to basic services and opportunities for development. This approach recognises that different areas have unique needs and challenges and seeks to address these disparities by promoting more inclusive and equitable development. By leaving no one and no place behind, Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda can help to reduce poverty and inequality, promote economic growth, and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.
Nick Mangwana is the Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
