Please follow and like us:

GOVERNMENT SUBMISSION DOCUMENT

(Formal Policy Submission to Government of Zimbabwe)

Title: Policy Submission on the Integration of Traditional Authority into Urban Governance in Zimbabwe

Submitted by; Princess Eugene Majuru         harareprincess@gmail.com

Addressed to

Ministry of Local Government and Public Works

Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs

Council of Chiefs

1. Executive Summary

This submission proposes the formal integration of traditional leadership into urban governance systems, particularly in Harare. It argues that the absence of traditional authority in cities has created a governance imbalance, weakening moral accountability, cultural continuity, and community-based dispute resolution.

The proposal recommends legislative reform, institutional creation, and pilot implementation to restore culturally grounded governance.

2. Key Policy Proposals

2.1 Legal Reform

Amend the Traditional Leaders Act to extend jurisdiction into urban areas

Recognize Urban Traditional Councils (UTCs) as statutory bodies

Provide constitutional alignment with Chapter 15 (traditional leadership provisions)

2.2 Institutional Development

Establish UTCs in Harare and major cities

Create an Urban Affairs Desk under the Council of Chiefs

Formalize collaboration between chiefs and municipal authorities

2.3 Governance Functions

Community dispute resolution

Cultural and moral oversight

Social cohesion and identity restoration

3. Justification

Current urban governance lacks cultural legitimacy

Rural-urban behavioural disparities indicate absence of traditional enforcement

Colonial administrative divisions remain structurally intact

Existing institutions (legal and religious) have not sufficiently addressed moral decline

4. Implementation Timeline

Phase  Timeline            Activity

Phase 1              0–12 months  Legal reform & consultations

Phase 2              12–24 months               Harare pilot program

Phase 3              24–60 months               National rollout

5. Conclusion

This submission calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to recognize that sustainable governance must reflect both constitutional law and indigenous systems.

Please follow and like us:

Comments

comments