Staff Reporter
A Kwekwe human rights and environmental defender Emmanuel Nkosilathi Moyo has petitioned the Parliament of Zimbabwe over what he described as the poor remuneration and welfare of local authority councillors and mayors across the country.
In a petition dated 15 October 2025, Moyo, who is based in Mbizo, Kwekwe, urged Parliament to urgently review the conditions of service for councillors, mayors, and chairpersons of rural and urban local authorities, arguing that their current allowances are “demeaning and unsustainable.”
Moyo invoked Section 149 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) of 2013, which grants every citizen the right to petition Parliament on matters of public concern, and Section 112 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], which governs councillors’ remuneration subject to ministerial approval.
“It is deeply embarrassing and unjust that councillors in Zimbabwe, despite their heavy workload and public responsibility, are among the least paid public officials in the country,” Moyo wrote in his petition.
He said councillors in most local authorities reportedly receive allowances of less than US$300 per month, an amount he said does not match their responsibilities as the “first point of contact between citizens and the State.”
According to Moyo, the poor welfare of councillors has demoralized local leaders, weakened local governance institutions, and exposed councillors to corruption and undue influence due to financial vulnerability.
“The current level of remuneration has eroded the respect and authority of local government offices before residents and created inequalities between central government officials and local representatives who perform equally vital roles,” he said.
In his submission, Moyo called on Parliament to conduct an inquiry into the welfare of councillors and mayors, review the existing Urban Councils and Rural District Councils Acts, and introduce standardized monthly allowances pegged in United States dollars.
He recommended that councillors receive at least US$300 per month, with access to health insurance, pensions, and professional development support.
“Our local councillors are the foundation of participatory democracy and service delivery. Their welfare should not be treated as an afterthought,” Moyo stated.
He added that a well-supported councillor would help improve service delivery and strengthen grassroots governance.
Parliament is yet to respond to the petition.
