Local Governance as a Creature of the Statute: Decentralization and Local Governance in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article examines decentralisation in Zimbabwe. Decentralisation is the transfer of power from a central authority to the lower levels of government. This transfer of power can be done by the government on behalf of the state as a whole or by offices within larger organizations. The article traces the historical evolution of decentralization in Zimbabwe and finds that the terrain is marked by three phases that is, the colonial, post-colonial and constitutional periods. In the colonial phase (1890-1979), decentralization was characterized by a two-tier local governance system divided along racial lines, with the white minority benefiting more than the black majority. The post-colonial decentralization (1980 to 2008) sought to undo the racial imbalances of the colonial period by redistributing power and resources to the previously marginalized black majority. However, this system was fraught with weaknesses because local governance remained a mere creature of the statute without full power and adequate resources to effect development. Hence, the constitutional period (2009 to date) seeks to fully extend power to local governments by creating a platform for devolution. Devolution is argued as the most effective form of transferring powers and resources in Zimbabwe to ensure that the country achieves middle income status by the year 2030.