By Correspondent
Government has developed a dangerous habit, which is proving functionally useless as it continues to ban the same thing over and over.
The latest move to ban workshops by Councils is the fourth such move in recent years, signifying a failure in application.
Either Councils are not adhering to the moratoriums or the circulars have no power.
On 15 February 2016
The government banned local authorities from holding workshops and conferences outside their jurisdiction with immediate effect.
The ban was meant to contain travel and accommodation-related expenses gobbling thousands of dollars at the expense of service delivery.
In a circular titled “Financial Prudence” forwarded to all local authorities, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere said most local authorities were being extravagant on seminars while service delivery was deteriorating.
On 30 September 2019
Government, again with immediate effect, banned local authorities from conducting workshops or training outside their jurisdiction.
In a circular addressed to councils, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, acting secretary Joseph Mhakayakora said Minister July Moyo has sanctioned the restriction.
The move was justified as a move to curb rampant abuse of ratepayers’ money at the expense of service delivery.
At that time, Harare City Council had spent a whooping $1,2 million on hotel expenses, travelling and out-of-pocket allowances in a space of three months.
16 October 2025
Government directed all 92 local authorities to suspend council workshops, limit foreign travel, and strictly monitor the use of pool vehicles.
In a circular to all mayors and council chairpersons, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the measures were meant to cut unnecessary spending and promote accountability.
The directive read:
“The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, cognisant of its oversight responsibility on local authorities, has developed expenditure containment measures for local authorities, in conformity with the Treasury’s broader expenditure rationalisation agenda.”
Under the new measures, all workshops were suspended with immediate effect, except those directly linked to reviewing or developing strategic plans and budget processes.
These meetings would be held strictly within each local authority’s area.
For foreign travel, only trips that are fully funded by the host or inviting institution would be permitted.
Officials who undertook such trips were required to submit a detailed post-mission report to the Ministry within seven working days of their return.
The circular also called for tighter control of local authority pool vehicles, warning against unauthorised or non-essential use.
Councils were also instructed to set up internal monitoring systems to ensure full compliance.
After all these, yet another circular has come out again!
27 May 2026
The new moratorium dictates that the Ministry has placed an embargo against all workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, foreign travel and look and learn visits.
This is the fourth time in recent years!
“The Ministry has noted with concern the increasing number of workshops, foreign travel, look and learn visits, conferences and related activities being undertaken by Local Authorities at the expense of service delivery priorities.
“The Ministry hereby places an embargo on all workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, foreign travel and look and learn visits involving any time and financial costs to Local Authorities until further notice.
“No Local Authority shall participate in or facilitate any such activity without the prior written approval of the Ministry.
The Ministry says the directive equally applies to activities initiated or coordinated by other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, associations, private entities or any other institutions.
In the future, consideration for approval of such activities shall strictly be based on their direct contribution towards the attainment of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) and improvement of service delivery in Local Authorities.
Priority shall only be accorded to activities with clear and measurable benefits to core service delivery mandates.
Local Authorities have also been directed to immediately submit schedules of all workshops and other related activities that have evidence of approval before the issuance of this Circular.
Those who fail to obey have been warned that administrative action shall be taken against them or any official found to be acting in contravention of this Circular.
———————————————————————————————————-
Love what we do? We’re dedicated to opening up democracy, one article, video and story at a time. If you find our reporting helpful, you can support the Magamba Network team by buying us a coffee. It’s quick, easy, and makes a real difference!
————————————————————————————————————
