The Government of Zimbabwe is intensifying its efforts to implement the national devolution programme by investing in knowledge-building initiatives targeting key institutions, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure all sectors of society are aligned with the principles of decentralised governance and are actively contributing to the country’s development goals.
On Friday, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, addressed a group of police superintendents undergoing training at Mkushi Police Academy in Harare. In his lecture, he underscored the critical role that law enforcement plays in advancing the devolution agenda—particularly in promoting transparency, accountability, and responsive governance at the local level.
“You are now part of the devolution process,” Engineer Muguti told the officers. “As you go out into your communities, always remember that devolution is not just a government programme—it is a national vision that requires your full participation and understanding.”
The session focused on enhancing the capacity of senior police officers to support and enforce the principles of devolution through their policing duties. The Permanent Secretary noted that devolution is not solely a political or administrative concept, but a framework that touches every aspect of governance—from economic development and service delivery to public safety and community participation.
He emphasised that the success of devolution depends on a well-informed, well-coordinated approach across all government sectors, including the security forces. Muguti called on the police to play a more active role in identifying and combating crimes that threaten local economic stability, such as money laundering and other commercial crimes, which he said are often hidden under the guise of legitimate business operations.
Government Boosts Devolution Agenda Through ZRP Training and Stakeholder Engagement
“There are worrying trends in commercial crime,” Muguti warned. “Let us remain vigilant to what is happening within businesses that may be engaging in money laundering or other financial misconduct. These crimes, while not always visible, can severely undermine the objectives of devolution by draining local resources and eroding public trust.”
The government’s devolution policy, introduced under the Second Republic, seeks to shift certain administrative, fiscal, and developmental responsibilities from the central government to provincial and local authorities. The ultimate aim is to improve service delivery, promote local economic growth, and ensure that development efforts are tailored to the specific needs of each region.
To realise these goals, the government is placing a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing. According to Muguti, training and dialogue sessions with various sectors—including law enforcement, traditional leaders, civil servants, and local councillors—are critical to building a shared understanding of what devolution means and how it should function on the ground.
“As we work towards our goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030, it is essential that every stakeholder, from the highest levels of government to grassroots communities, understands and supports the devolution framework,” Muguti said.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of aligning policing strategies with local development plans. He encouraged officers to engage with local leaders and communities to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their jurisdictions.
“This approach ensures that policing is not just about enforcement but also about supporting development, protecting public assets, and ensuring inclusive governance,” he said.
The session at Mkushi Police Academy is part of a wider government initiative to integrate devolution awareness into the training curriculum of public institutions. The initiative recognises that the effective implementation of devolution relies heavily on collaboration, trust, and shared accountability between government officials and the communities they serve.
By involving the police in this process, the government aims to create a more coordinated and responsive governance structure—one that ensures citizen safety while fostering socio-economic development at the local level.
In conclusion, Muguti urged the officers to be ambassadors of the devolution agenda in their communities and to embrace the vision of a more decentralised, people-driven government.
“Let us build a Zimbabwe where governance is not dictated from the centre, but shaped by the people in every province, district, and ward,” he said. “That is the true spirit of devolution.”
As Zimbabwe continues to roll out its devolution strategy, the inclusion of key sectors like the ZRP marks a significant step towards building an inclusive, accountable, and locally empowered system of governance that leaves no one behind.
