Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
AS Zimbabwe celebrates its 45th Independence Anniversary, this year’s theme – “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop towards Vision 2030” – puts to the fore the importance of devolution in driving sustainable development across the country’s length and breadth.
There is general consensus that by fully embracing devolution, Zimbabwe can unlock the full potential to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, strengthen democracy and move decisively towards achieving targets set under Vision 2030.
The path forward requires collective commitment to overcome challenges and harnessing the strengths of local communities, ensuring that the promise of independence translates into tangible benefits for all.
Lawyer, Advocate Kelvin Manyengavana said Government is doing its best to devolve power, allowing communities to lead in their development initiatives, resulting in key public and private services being made available in all corners of the country.
“Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence theme: “Zim @45: Devolve and Develop towards Vision 2030,” underscores Government’s commitment to decentralisation as a pathway to sustainable development. The theme highlights the crucial role of devolution in empowering local communities, and enabling them to take ownership of their growth. By devolving power and resources, Government aims to bring governance closer to the people, ensuring that development initiatives are aligned with the needs and aspirations of specific provinces.
“The selfless sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters of the soil, who fought a protracted liberation war, should always be remembered and cherished. The unity of purpose by ZANU PF and PF ZAPU led to the realisation of independence in 1980. Zimbabwe has made notable strides in promoting development through devolution.
“Government has prioritised infrastructure development, investing in crucial areas such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. These investments have significantly improved living standards, particularly in rural areas, where access to essential services has been historically been limited.
“In Manicaland, devolution has played a vital role in fostering local economic development. The province has seen an increase in agricultural initiatives, supported by programmes that empower farmers with resources and training. This decentralisiation of agricultural support, not only boost local economies, but also enhances food security and resilience among communities.
“Additionally, promotion of small-and-medium enterprises, has been facilitated by devolved Central Government structures that respond more effectively to the needs of entrepreneurs. For example, Rusape is becoming a booming hub for tobacco auction floors, and converting it into a special economic zone for the tobacco industry will fulfil the impetus of the devolution and development agenda aimed at under Vision 2030,” he said.
Advocate Manyengavana said the citizenry has been afforded opportunities to participate in issues of national governance such as law formulation and have their feelings and attitudes embraced, which has helped to shape nationhood.
He, however, noted that local authorities sometimes have been found wanting in the implementation of devolution due to lack of responsiveness and capacity to manage resources allocated to them by Government.
“Devolution has also encouraged citizen participation in decision-making processes. By allowing communities to engage in governance, there is a greater sense of ownership and accountability. Numerous parliamentary outreach programmes have been conducted have been conducted in the province. This participatory approach has led to more responsive and transparent governance – as local authorities are better equipped to address the unique challenges faced by their communities.
“The Constituency Development Fund ensures that projects are implemented on a community needs basis. Despite progress made, challenges persist in the implementation of devolution. Local authorities often lack the necessary capacity and resources to manage devolved responsibilities effectively. Building capacities for local authorities is essential for ensuring that they can effectively utilise the powers and resources allocated to them.
“Adequate resource allocation remains a significant hurdle. Many local authorities struggle with limited budgets, which hampers their ability to deliver services and implement development projects. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are crucial to ensure that devolution achieves its intended objectives and enhances developmental outcomes.
“The devolution agenda is critical for promoting inclusive growth and addressing historical imbalances in development across provinces. By empowering local communities, devolution can help bridge the gap between urban and rural development ensuring that no community is left behind. Government’s ongoing efforts to devolve power and resources to local authorities are expected to improve public service delivery, enhance accountability and increase citizen participation. The decentralisation of the passport office to Chipinge is one such initiative,” said Advocate Manyengavana.
Senator Chief Mutasa said independence brought seamless development across the country, adding that this has changed people’s lives for the better.
Chief Mutasa said it is their duty to see to it that development reaches every community through engagement with Government.
“The fruits of devolution are being felt and enjoyed across the communities in the province. All rural district councils in the province have been receiving vital equipment to boost their operations through devolution funds. There are village business units (VBUs) that are being set around the districts. Devolution itself is a result of independence, of which, without it we will not be talking of any development. During colonialism, all the capital and means of production, such as land were in the hands of the few white settlers, but independence has changed that.
“Indigenous people are the ones controlling all the facets of the economy and spearheading development. The results are there for all to see that indeed we are an independent country, both on the political and economic fronts. We need to jealously guard and protect the gains of liberation which brought dignity to our people. We are also playing our part in making sure that Government services reach the people on the ground, which is why we are pushing for the resuscitation of disbanded traditional leadership in farming communities.
We are the conduits between the people and Government, and for development to occur, every area must have traditional leadership,” said Chief Mutasa.
