Local Government Ministry tells councils to halt ‘fundraising’ workshops and refocus spending on service delivery

Local Government Ministry tells councils to halt ‘fundraising’ workshops and refocus spending on service delivery
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The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has directed local authorities to stop attending non-essential workshops and conferences that it says are being organised mainly as fundraising platforms by outside entities.

The instruction is contained in a memorandum signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr John Basera, on 14 May 2026. The directive takes effect immediately and will remain in force “until further notice”.

In the memo, Basera says the ministry is concerned by the growing number of events aimed at councils, warning that some institutions and entities are convening workshops and conferences “primarily for their fundraising purposes”.

The directive comes at a time when many councils are facing financial pressures, including what the ministry describes as depressed revenue collection. Basera said councils should channel limited resources towards core operations and basic public services.

“Considering the current challenges facing local authorities, particularly depressed revenue collection and the need to prioritise efficient service delivery, it is imperative that available resources be directed towards operational and service delivery-related activities,” Basera said.

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Councils have been advised to significantly reduce participation in meetings and conferences that do not directly improve service delivery outcomes. The memorandum specifically cautions against arrangements that require councils to incur costs such as buying tables, paying conference fees, and meeting accommodation and related expenses where there is “limited or no tangible value” for residents.

For local authorities in Mashonaland Central — including urban and rural district councils — the directive is likely to affect how budgets are allocated, particularly for travel and workshop-related expenditure, as the ministry pushes for tighter accountability and greater focus on frontline services.

The ministry has not, in the memo, named specific organisers or events. However, the message signals a tougher stance on discretionary spending by councils and a renewed emphasis on directing public funds towards day-to-day service delivery.

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