While we, as residents, can elect councillors to represent us, in reality, this is a meaningless exercise for a number of reasons. Zimbabwe inherited its system of local government from the Westminister system. This system of representative democracy is intended to give a veneer of democratic practice to governance but in reality enshrines power within a political elite that controls real access to power.
The Zanu (PF) elite has perpetuated this, as it suited their needs of centralised power. Their tinkering with the legislation for local government has been constantly and blatantly self-serving, as Kulare points out.
Indeed, as Chombo said in 2002, it does not matter which political party wins control of a council, since local government is an extension of central government and will do its bidding. The powers vested in the minister of local government are dictatorial and anti-democratic.
If we are to create a genuine democracy in Zimbabwe, local government must be recognised as an independent sphere of political power and measures taken to secure its autonomy from central government. It is not enough to merely enshrine suitable provisions within the constitution, but to re-think the whole nature of government in Zimbabwe. Decentralisation must be more than a mantra.
Traditionally, councillors are unpaid except for sitting allowances and they are supposed to seek office altruistically as a service to the community. In reality, only those with independent means can afford to run for office. This discriminates against ordinary people.
Councillors should be paid properly for their work. The amount they receive should be directly related to the revenues of the district they represent, perhaps 0.5 per cent of gross revenues. This will empower them to be effective since, if they are not, they will be voted out at the next election.
Paid councillors whose income is directly related to revenues within their district will have a vested interest in promoting service delivery, ensuring the rates base is correct and revenues collected on time.
Skilled and competent residents have a disincentive to stand for election. Apart from the low status of local government, the real costs of being a councillor discourage people from contesting for office.
The current system discriminates against marginalised communities and individuals. Many of those who do stand for local government do so not because they have an interest in local government but because council is a stepping-stone to parliament.
The deeply partisan political environment means that voters make their choices based on party allegiances, irrespective of the commitment and capacity of the individual candidates. We should encourage voters to select those candidates who have a proven track record within their communities.
Councillors should work primarily in council affairs and any other business interests should be secondary (as with members of parliament). We need women and men in council who are committed, capable and empowered, who are answerable to their communities, not to their political parties or a minister.
Harare
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