The Zimbabwean government has unveiled a new heritage-based training initiative aimed at mayors, chairpersons, and councillors in local authorities. This program, which integrates the Zanu-PF’s ‘Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology’ manuals and modules, is designed to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of local government officials in their roles.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe announced the initiative on Wednesday, highlighting its goal to deepen councillors’ and council staff’s appreciation of their critical roles in national development. “Local Authorities operate with a degree of autonomy in managing council affairs, allowing them to create policies, leverage local resources, and grow their economies,” Garwe explained. “For these reasons, among others, it is essential for local authorities to align with central government in terms of policy, procedure, and action.”
Garwe underscored the need for unity among policymakers and council staff, despite political differences, noting that a lack of understanding of the nation’s history, identity, and political system has sometimes impeded meaningful dialogue and initiatives within the Local Government sector. The new training program aims to address these gaps by equipping local officials with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
The ministry’s approach includes a three-phase induction program designed to empower mayors, chairpersons, and councillors with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their councils. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of fostering national development and achieving an upper-middle-income status by 2030.
Garwe also highlighted the influence of international practices on the program, citing examples from countries like China, the United States, Russia, Singapore, and Japan, where patriotic education campaigns have been implemented to instill national pride and uphold moral values.
The integration of the ‘Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology’ into the training materials has sparked some controversy. Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi addressed concerns about the program, noting that opposition councillors and mayors would still participate since it is conducted under the Local Government Ministry and not as a Zanu-PF political party initiative. “If it is a ministerial program, the CCC cannot prevent its members from attending,” Mkwananzi stated. “However, if it were a Zanu-PF political party training program, we would oppose our members’ attendance, as it would involve another political party imposing its ideology on us as an opposition movement.”
The introduction of this heritage-based training program reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and ensure alignment between central and local authorities, while also fostering a unified approach to national development.
In other news – Mathias Mhere and Joyful Praise to headline family fun day festival in Harare
This Saturday, the vibrant and community-focused Family Fun Day Festival will take center stage at David Livingstone Primary School in Harare. The highly anticipated event will be headlined by renowned gospel artist Mathias Mhere and the high-flying gospel ensemble Joyful Praise, promising a day of soul-stirring music and communal celebration.
Organized by Viva Network Zimbabwe, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, particularly orphans, the festival aims to raise vital funds to benefit over 2,700 children in Harare. Read More
