
Capacity Building Programme for Councillors in Zimbabwe
Through a partnership established in 2023, the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) and the Midlands State University (MSU) through the Centre for Public Policy and Devolution were committed to undertaking and promoting an action-oriented Capacity Building Programme for Councillors in Zimbabwe. The project was developed in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders (councillors, civil society, MSU and local authorities) to ensure the programme is created with a needs based assessment approach.
The project was designed as a capacity development programme for new councils in Zimbabwe, starting with a pilot programme in Gweru. It provided councillors in all local authorities of Zimbabwe, with the key skills which will help them to be more effective in their roles. The programme employed a hybrid methodological approach that comprised a theoretical and practical facet. It further challenged councillors to reconsider the way they have approached some local governance aspects.
Objectives of the Capacity Building Programme
At the end of the programme, the Councillors should be able:
- To understand the local government system in Zimbabwe
- To gain appreciation of the legislation governing local authorities
- To better understand their roles and function.
- To formulate quality council policies.
- To provide an oversight role on the use of public funds by council management.
- To effectively represent different stakeholders in their respective wards.
- To effectively engage the community.
- To plan for ward projects and raise funds for the same.
- To revive and establish ward development committees in their respective wards.
- To appreciate the importance of gender mainstreaming in all local authority processes.