By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator (DDC) Fortune Mupungu has urged councillors in the City of Kwekwe to treat council proceedings with seriousness and respect, warning that failure to adhere to governance rules could attract sanctions.
Addressing a recent full council meeting, Mupungu reminded councillors of the importance of upholding the integrity of the chamber, stressing that their conduct reflects the authority they represent.
“Perhaps we need to remind that council business is serious business. We should uphold this house with the respect that it deserves,” he said.
Mupungu noted that councillors, when in session, act as representatives of the Minister of Local Government and Public Works and are therefore expected to maintain high standards of professionalism.
He outlined the oversight role played by his office, which includes monitoring council proceedings, providing advice, facilitating operations and promoting good governance practices.
“How do we monitor council? We observe meeting proceedings then report accordingly. So that’s one key role that we are playing when we are here,” he said.
The DDC added that beyond advisory and facilitation duties, his office also has the authority to enforce compliance where council operations fall short of established rules.
“There is this other silent role that we play — we sanction where things are not going according to the rules. Governance is all about rules. Are you playing according to the rules of the house?” Mupungu said.
He appealed to councillors to respect council procedures and conduct deliberations in line with governance principles.
The remarks come amid growing scrutiny of local authorities’ adherence to procedural standards and accountability in the conduct of public business.
