Welcome to our live coverage from the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, where President Mnangagwa is expected to interface with councillors from all 92 local authorities in Zimbabwe.
The high-level indaba, set to culminate in the launch of the Minimum Service Delivery Standard Framework, marks the second such engagement by the Head of State following last year鈥檚 interface in Harare.
That meeting birthed a national roadmap under the banner 鈥淎 Call to Action: No Compromise to Service Delivery鈥, which laid the groundwork for transforming how councils operate as the country accelerates towards Vision 2030.
The new service standards, approved by Cabinet in May, are designed to streamline core local government services such as water provision, waste management, road maintenance, and housing, among others. Officials say this framework will enhance accountability and consistency in delivery 鈥 with digital dashboards being rolled out for real-time tracking of performance.
Stay tuned as our Senior Reporters Nqobile Bhebhe and Sikhumbuzo Moyo alongside Chief Photographer Eliah Saushoma and Obey Sibanda will bring you live updates, images, video snippets, and behind-the-scenes insights from today鈥檚 event, including key speeches, reactions from local authority officials and the anticipated unveiling of the Urban State Land Framework.
President Mnangagwa is expected to jet into Bulawayo this morning at the Joshua Mqabuko International Airport.
The President will head to the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, where he will tour various exhibitions with the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe leading this section of the programme.
Electric atmosphere as over 3000 delegates await launch of two landmark local government policy frameworks
AN electric atmosphere has enveloped the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, the venue of the much-anticipated launch of two landmark local government policy frameworks.
Decked in national colours and buzzing with anticipation, the auditorium is a hive of activity with close to 3 000 delegates comprising mayors, councillors, chief executive officers, Government ministers, senior Government officials and parastatal heads from all corners of the country converging at the venue in what observers have described as a historic gathering for local governance.
From the moment delegates began streaming in, the spirit of unity and purpose is palpable.
Inside the auditorium, an explosion of song and dance greets every arriving dignitaries.
Delegates, seated according to their jurisdictions, occasionally burst into spontaneous ululations punctuated by the rhythmic clapping of hands creating a jubilant mosaic of culture and patriotism.
Today鈥檚 interface is being held under the backdrop of a new era of accountability, with all local authority executives having recently signed performance contracts aimed at bolstering efficiency and service delivery.
The mood is one of optimism, with many anticipating that the new frameworks will usher in a culture of measurable results and responsive governance.
President Mnangagwa, the guest of honour, is expected to deliver a keynote address that delegates believe will chart a transformative course for the country鈥檚 local authorities.
His speech is eagerly awaited, with the expectation that it will provide strategic direction, reaffirm Government鈥檚 commitment to devolution, and energise local structures to serve communities more effectively.
More to follow. . .
WATCH: Ms Valentine Machaya Goromonzi Rural District in Mashonaland East. Ward 24 Mandlay Park speaks on the importance of local authorities engagement with President Mnangagwa.
Some of the exhibition stands President Mnangagwa will tour.
WATCH: Delegates at the launch of two policies, the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy entertain themselves as they await official start of proceedings.
The 4th edition of the All-Local Authorities Indaba is held under the theme 鈥淏enchmaking service delivery towards attainment of Vision 2030.鈥