Tshabangu described the training as a positive initiative
aimed at building the capacity of councillors and aligning local governance
with national policies.
The mandatory training programme has faced fierce
opposition from human rights lawyers and civil society groups, who argue that
it is a thinly veiled attempt by the Zanu PF-led government to enforce
political indoctrination under the guise of “basic orientation training.”
These groups have urged councils and local authorities
across Zimbabwe to challenge the government’s move through legal channels.
Some councillors have also expressed concerns that
boycotting the training could lead to their recall and loss of their posts.
However, Tshabangu, known for his previous actions of recalling several elected
representatives from Parliament and councils, sought to allay these fears.
In an interview with CITE, Tshabangu said there were no
plans for recalls.
“I can assure you that there are no plans for recalls, and
we are focused on supporting our mayors and council chairpersons in their
roles,” he said.
Tshabangu said council officials stand to benefit from the
ideology training.
“This training is part of the government’s efforts to
enhance capacity building and align local governance with national policies.”
He highlighted that the mandatory training would offer
“several key advantages for mayors and council chairpersons,” including the
ability to “effectively implement government policies at the local level and
foster stronger relationships with government officials, promoting effective
collaboration and problem-solving.”
Tshabangu acknowledged that the venue for the training was
changed to Rainbow Towers and confirmed that all mayors attended.
However, in Bulawayo both the Mayor David Coltart and his
deputy Edwin Ndlovu did not attend, so the city’s Town Clerk and Finance
Director attended in their place.
“Ultimately, this training enables mayors and council
chairpersons to deliver improved services to our communities, aligning with
national policies and upholding the principles of good governance for the
benefit of our citizens,” Tshabangu explained.
He also praised the initiative, stating, “We appreciate the
Minister of Local Government (and Public Works), Daniel Garwe, for initiating
this important initiative.”
However, not everyone within the CCC shares Tshabangu’s
positive outlook.
A CCC councillor from Bulawayo criticised the government’s
move, accusing it of attempting to “brainwash” them.
The councillor acknowledged that the training might benefit
town clerks and finance directors, who handle administrative work, but pointed
out that many individuals in these positions are “members of Zanu PF one way or
the other.”
The councillor added that it remains to be seen how the
government’s push for ideological alignment will improve local governance,
stating that centralization is to blame for poor service delivery.
“Councils don’t need ideological training; they just need
devolution to make decisions. Right now, centralisation affects service
delivery in Bulawayo, as in other cities, because the government controls
decision-making and resources,” he said.
“This slows down the response to local needs in Bulawayo
and other places, not to mention the unequal distribution of resources,
especially to councils that are run by the opposition. This is why Bulawayo and
other regions feel marginalised,” he concluded. CITE
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