Minister Daniel Garwe Bans Council Workshops, Foreign Trips to Prioritise Service Delivery

HARARE — Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has imposed an immediate nationwide ban on workshops, seminars, conferences, foreign travel and look-and-learn visits by local authorities, saying councils must prioritise service delivery over non-essential expenditure. The directive, contained in a ministerial circular dated 27 May 2026, was tabled before local authorities through Chamber Secretaries on 28 May 2026.

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said it had become increasingly concerned that councils were spending scarce financial resources on travel and conferences instead of improving essential public services.

"The Ministry has noted with concern the increasing number of workshops, foreign travel, look-and-learn visits, conferences and related activities being undertaken by Local Authorities at the expense of service delivery priorities," Garwe said in the circular.

Garwe announced that the moratorium takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

"Accordingly, and with immediate effect, the Ministry hereby places an embargo on all workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, foreign travel and look-and-learn visits involving any time and financial costs to Local Authorities until further notice."

The directive prohibits all urban councils, municipalities, town councils and rural district councils from participating in such activities without prior written approval from the Ministry.

According to the circular, local authorities may no longer independently commit to attending conferences or training programmes.

"No Local Authority shall participate in or facilitate any such activity without the prior written approval of the Ministry."

The ban extends beyond council-organised activities to include programmes initiated by government departments, development partners, local government associations, private companies and other institutions.

"This directive equally applies to activities initiated or coordinated by other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, associations, private entities or any other institutions," the circular states.

The Ministry directed councils to submit all invitations and requests for workshops or travel for approval before making any commitments.

Garwe said future approvals will only be granted where proposed activities directly contribute to improving local authority performance under the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS).

"Consideration for approval of such activities shall strictly be based on their contribution towards the attainment of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) and improvement of service delivery in Local Authorities."

The Government has been pushing councils to improve the delivery of essential services, including water supply, refuse collection, road maintenance, sewer management and public health.

The Minister warned that councils and officials who ignore the directive will face disciplinary action.

"Non-compliance with this directive will not be tolerated. Appropriate administrative action shall be taken against any Local Authority or official found to be acting in contravention of this Circular."

The circular forms part of the Government's broader reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving municipal governance and ensuring that limited financial resources are directed towards essential service delivery rather than administrative expenses.

Daniel Garwe council travel ban