However, no
exit packages will be paid upon the completion of a councillor’s term.
This is
contained in a circular dated 17 July 2025, issued by the Minister of Local
Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe and addressed to all local
authorities.
According to
the circular, mayors and council chairpersons will now receive a monthly
allowance of US$265, while deputy mayors and vice chairpersons will earn
US$243.
Committee
chairpersons will get US$229, and ordinary councillors will receive US$221
monthly.
Minister Garwe
noted that 20 percent of these allowances will be effected from January 2026.
The
announcement follows the 2025 All-Councillors Indaba held in Bulawayo in June,
where Minister Garwe promised that a circular detailing the new perks would be
released.
“The circular
comes into effect immediately,” said Minister Garwe.
“Any circular
that arbitrarily raised allowances without ministerial approval or awarded
perks outside this circular should recover same forthwith.
“Please note
that by copy of this circular, the Auditor General is requested to ensure that
the payment of allowances and the granting of perks is audited to ensure
compliance to this circular.
“Interpretation
of this circular rests with the Secretary of Local Government and Public Works,
and all previous circulars on allowances and perks are hereby cancelled.”
To enable
serving councillors to live in a dignified manner, Government has also
introduced a once-off housing benefit for councillors who do not have
residences within their wards.
“Permission is
granted for a councillor who does not have a residence within his/her ward to
be allocated a single residential stand in their lifetime, within that ward, on
which to construct a home for him/herself,” reads the circular.
“The stand may
be sold to the councillor at a discount of 40 percent of the normal land value.
It will be offered on a lease with an option to purchase, with payments to be
completed before the end of the councillor’s term of office.
“Title may not
be issued until the development of the home is complete. The councillor may not
sell the stand or cede the lease during his/her term of office. The cost of
servicing the stand shall be paid in full.”
Minister Garwe
emphasised that the allocation of a stand is “a privilege and not an
entitlement”, adding “The stand acquired in terms of this circular is not for
profit or aggrandizement.”
Councillors may
also benefit from minor perks that include free parking and a free grave during
their term in office.
In addition,
councils may apply to Government for approval to provide councillors with
motorbike loans, subject to strict conditions.
“If a council
wishes, councillors are to be availed with a 5-year motorbike loan facility,”
said Minister Garwe.
“The
application to purchase motorbikes can only be done to the Minister and must
contain justification for the purchase, the budget line and amount budgeted for
the same, the type of equipment and justification, the cost and the conditions
attached to the use of the equipment.
“Councils
wishing to utilise this facility are to purchase motorbikes not exceeding the
value of US$2 000.”
Minister Garwe
also said guidance on the duty-free purchase of vehicles would be provided once
Treasury concurrence is received and the relevant Statutory Instrument
promulgated in line with Customs and Excise Regulations.
Significantly,
the Government has ruled out the payment of exit packages to any councillor
after their term ends.
Minister Garwe
approved that no exit package be paid to any councillor on the completion of
his/her term of office,the circular added. Herald
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