The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, today convened a strategic meeting with all seven districts local authority leadership to strengthen collaboration, improve coordination, and accelerate socio-economic development across the province.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs. L. L. Dhlamini-Maseko; Director of Economic Affairs and Investment, Mr. R. Ncube; Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management, Mr. D. Njowa; Director of Finance, Administration and Human Resources, Mr. E. Mandeya; Acting Director Coordination, Ms. S. Ndlovu; Deputy Director Business Development, Mr. T. Mudzviti; Ms. S. Mabidi; Ms. L. Vundla; The Mayor; Council Chief Executive Officers; Council Chairpersons; and representatives from the District Development Coordinators' offices.
Addressing the meeting, Hon. Nguluvhe underscored the importance of regular communication between local authorities and the Office of the Minister of State. He directed councils to continuously provide updates on major developments, investment opportunities, and challenges requiring Government intervention to ensure effective coordination and timely decision-making.
The Minister welcomed the growing investment momentum across Matabeleland South Province, highlighting ongoing mining Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), hotel developments, new filling stations, and housing projects, including the conversion of former farmland and a disused mine into residential developments. He also reaffirmed the strategic importance of infrastructure projects such as the Glass Block/Bopoma Dam initiative in unlocking the province's economic potential.
The meeting also focused on the financial constraints affecting local authorities and their impact on service delivery. Councils reported significant outstanding debts owed by residents, Government institutions, and other stakeholders, which continue to undermine their operational capacity. Hon. Nguluvhe directed all councils to submit comprehensive schedules of debts owed by Government entities and other major debtors so that his office can facilitate engagements aimed at improving debt recovery.
The Minister further welcomed the forthcoming National Property Policy, under which property owners will be required to clear all outstanding local authority obligations before acquiring new title deeds by July 2027. He noted that this measure will strengthen local authority revenue collection and enhance the financial sustainability of councils.
Recognising the importance of devolution funding in driving local development, Hon. Nguluvhe committed to engaging the Ministry of Finance to address delays in devolution disbursements affecting some councils, including Beitbridge and Plumtree.
On development priorities, the Minister instructed councils to prioritise the acquisition of critical service delivery equipment using devolution funds, embrace the Government's digital transformation agenda, and ensure that all outstanding legacy projects are completed by September 2027.
In line with the Government's environmental sustainability agenda, councils were also directed to actively support the First Lady, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa's monthly Zero Waste Movement programme through stronger partnerships with communities, Government departments, and other stakeholders.
The Minister also took note of key development proposals presented by councils, including address planning for returnee settlements to reduce environmental degradation, upgrading the Mtshabezi River Bridge into a dual carriageway, and expediting the formal handover of completed infrastructure projects and newly acquired equipment.
Hon. Nguluvhe reaffirmed Government's commitment to strengthening local governance, promoting accountability, improving service delivery, and ensuring that devolution continues to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Matabeleland South Province.