International Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences Vol. 1 (7), pp. 130-145 July 2013 ISSN 2327-719X ©2013 Academe Research Journals

Review

The Ministry of Local Government intrusions in urban councils’ administration

Wellington Jonga

Urban Management Department, Ethiopian Civil Service University, P.O. Box 5648, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. E-mail: wellington.matambanadzo@gmail.com . Tel: +263772421461.

Accepted 23 July, 2013

Abstract

The paper discusses issues of democracy and good governance in Zimbabwe’s urban areas. The point of departure is that there is too much interference from central government through the Ministry of Local Government in local affairs. This interference has caused dispute and conflicts between the centre and local institutions. The conflicts have resulted in dysfunctioning of urban councils. The data were collected through documentary reviews. It was concluded that the Minister of Local Government was interfering in urban councils through some of these methods: dismissals of councilors and mayors, appointing councilors of special interest, appointments of governors and District Administrators, opposing urban councils’ decisions and supporting mafia/gangs to sabotage specific projects initiated by opposition councilors and mayors. The major argument presented as solution was the change of the current Urban Councils Act so that the powers of the Minister are reduced.

Key words: Urban councils act, governance, good governance, urban council, district administrator, minister, local government, Zimbabwe, intrusions.