Background and Context

Zimbabwe’s local authorities have long been plagued by systemic corruption, inefficiency, and poor service delivery. These issues are exacerbated by a lack of qualifications and expertise among councillors, who often enter office with limited understanding of their roles, relevant legislation, or budgeting processes. The absence of a merit-based selection system has led to governance failures, most starkly illustrated by the 2008–2009 cholera outbreak that claimed over 4,000 lives.

The post-2000 period saw Zimbabwe transition from a regional leader to a nation facing severe socio-economic regression. Local governments, in particular, failed to provide basic services such as water, sanitation, housing, and public health, highlighting the urgency for institutional reform and skills development.

Methodology and Approach

The Capacity Building Programme adopted a hybrid methodological approach, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on practical engagement. Organised into weekly sessions, the curriculum was delivered by MSU facilitators and supported by GRRA’s experience in community-level advocacy and governance.

Core modules included:

Local government systems and administration

Legislative frameworks (e.g., Urban Councils Act, Regional, Town and Country Planning Act)

Leadership and ethics

Policy formulation and budgeting

Community engagement and gender mainstreaming

This approach ensured that councillors not only gained knowledge but were also able to apply their learning to real-world challenges in their wards and councils.

Key Activities

The programme’s activities were tailored to build a comprehensive understanding of governance processes:

Workshops and class sessions: Delivered structured learning on governance principles, legislative interpretation, and the budgeting process.

Engagement simulations: Trained councillors in stakeholder consultation, public resource oversight, and community mobilization.

A strong emphasis was placed on reviving Ward Development Committees (WADCOs) and integrating gender-responsive strategies in planning and policy execution.

Successes

The programme yielded a range of positive outcomes:

Improved councillor competency: Participants demonstrated increased confidence and understanding of policy-making, financial management, and legislative mandates.

Enhanced transparency and oversight: Councillors developed skills in budget tracking and procurement oversight, promoting accountability.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, the programme faced several challenges:

Resource constraints: Limited funding restricted the scope and reach of the initiative beyond the pilot phase.

Time limitations: The demands of council duties made consistent attendance and participation a challenge for some councillors.

Varying literacy levels: Diverse educational backgrounds among councillors necessitated differentiated teaching strategies to ensure equitable learning outcomes.

Key Learnings

Several important lessons emerged from the pilot programme:

Tailored capacity building is essential – Councillors require not only general governance education but also targeted training that reflects local realities.

Practical learning reinforces theoretical knowledge – Assignments and community-based exercises proved critical for internalising new concepts.

Local ownership drives sustainability – Engagement with local institutions like MSU and GRRA ensured the programme remained contextually relevant and community-rooted.

Building a culture of ethics and accountability is a process – Transforming governance practices requires ongoing support beyond one-off training sessions.

Conclusion

The Capacity Building Programme for Councillors in Zimbabwe represents a bold and timely intervention aimed at transforming local governance from the ground up. While still in its early stages, the pilot has demonstrated that with the right tools, training, and institutional support, councillors can become catalysts for positive change in their communities. The successes and lessons from this initiative provide a strong foundation for scaling the programme nationwide and institutionalising capacity development within local government systems.