The devolution of governmental powers and responsibilities in post-independent Zimbabwe

The rationale for devolution in Zimbabwe in particular and Africa in general is to develop the administrative, political, and fiscal capacity of local governments to ensure responsiveness, national unity, transparency, accountability, efficiency, and citizen participation. The article examines the issues of devolution, and policy inconsistencies in the implementation of devolution in Zimbabwe. This article, which is theoretical in nature, employed a qualitative, descriptive research approach, and draw its arguments on secondary data, which included books, journal articles, newspaper clippings, internet sources, and official documents. The article argues that If the inconsistencies are not interrogated, then the power will remain concentrated at the centre and in the process will ignore diversity and it may be difficult to hold political leaders accountable. The article concludes that devolution, by nature, however, is a complex and highly political issue. It therefore requires political willingness and commitment to realise the desired outcomes.