By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
In light of the recent harmonized Elections held in Zimbabwe on 23-24 August 2023, local authorities have been instructed to wait for the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ guidance on the swearing-in dates for elected councillors.
In a letter gleaned by this publication, signed by the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works Mr Zvinechimwe Churu, the Ministry directed that it will advise each individual local authority on the dates for swearing in of councillors.
According to Section 277 of the Constitution, councillors assume office on the ninth day following the announcement of the election results. The Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act further state that before commencing their duties, councillors must take an oath of loyalty and office in the presence of the Town Clerk or Chief Executive Officer.
Given these legal requirements, the Ministry of local Government and Public Works emphasized the need to follow the proper procedures and has advised each individual local authority to await instruction on the dates for the swearing-in ceremony.
