Swearing in of elected councillors postponed

Harare (New Zina) -THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has directed local authorities to postpone indefinitely, the swearing-in of the recently elected councillors.

In a letter dated 3 September 2023, addressed to all Town Clerks, Chief Executive Officers, and Town Secretaries, permanent secretary for the Local Government Ministry, Zvinechimwe Churu, said local authorities would be notified of the rescheduled dates for the swearing-in.

According to Section 277 of the Constitution, councillors are required to be sworn in within nine days of the announcement of the general election results.

“As you are aware, the results of the General Elections were announced on 26 August 2023, which included councillors for your respective local authorities. By operation of the law, councillors, in terms of Section 277 of the Constitution, assume office on the ninth day after the announcement of the results of the general elections.

“It is against this background that the Ministry directs that it will advise each individual Local Authority of the dates for swearing of councillors,” reads part of the letter.

Section 47(3) of the Urban Councils Act and Section 30 (3) of the Rural District Councils Act further provide that before undertaking any duty, the councillors shall take and subscribe before the Town Clerk or Chief Executive Officer, such oath of loyalty and office as may be prescribed.

New Ziana