Government Warns Council Officials Against Abusing Foreign Travel Privileges

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has warned mayors, council chairpersons and local authority officials against abusing Cabinet-approved foreign travel under the guise of conference benchmarking and official engagements. The warning was contained in a letter from the ministry that was read during a full council meeting of the Epworth Local Board on Tuesday by town secretary Wilton Mhanda.

According to the ministry, Cabinet authority for foreign trips is intended strictly for official representation in pursuit of national interests, investment promotion, service delivery improvements, and Government development objectives.

“It has come to the attention of the ministry that Cabinet Authority granted to mayors, council chairpersons and council officials for external travel conference benchmarking as an official engagement is being grossly abused,” the letter stated.

The ministry warned that some local authority officials were allegedly treating official travel as an opportunity for personal leisure and shopping rather than carrying out Government business.

“I wish to remind you that Cabinet authorities granted solely for the purpose of representing the Republic of Zimbabwe, your province and your local authority in pursuit of national interest, investment promotion, service delivery, partnerships and advancement of the Government development agenda is not a privilege for personal aggrandisement,” the letter read.

Authorities further criticised officials accused of only appearing during ceremonial functions while neglecting substantive conference participation and policy engagements.

“It has, however, been noted with great concern that some policymakers and officials treat national authority as an opportunity for personal shopping expeditions and social engagements, only becoming visible during official dinners and photo opportunities,” the ministry said.

The Government warned that such conduct undermines public trust, damages the credibility of local authorities and weakens efforts to improve governance and service delivery.

“This conduct affronts the dignity of your offices and is a betrayal of public trust bestowed upon you,” the ministry added.

The warning comes amid growing scrutiny over public expenditure, foreign travel costs and accountability within local authorities and Government institutions. Analysts say authorities are increasingly under pressure to ensure public officials justify overseas trips through measurable outcomes and developmental benefits. Local governance expert Rejoice Ngwenya said benchmarking visits should produce practical improvements in municipal management and service delivery.

“Public officials must demonstrate value for money when travelling abroad using taxpayer resources. Citizens expect accountability and tangible outcomes,” he said.

In recent years, local authorities across Zimbabwe have faced criticism over poor service delivery, deteriorating infrastructure, and allegations of misuse of public funds. The Government has repeatedly urged councils to prioritise roads, water systems, refuse collection and housing services instead of unnecessary expenditure.

The Ministry said all future foreign travel applications should align with Zimbabwe’s broader development goals, investment promotion efforts and national priorities. Officials travelling abroad are also expected to fully participate in official programmes and provide comprehensive feedback reports upon return. The latest directive signals tighter monitoring of foreign trips by councillors and local authority executives as the Government seeks to strengthen accountability across public institutions.

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