By Sani Mbofana
The Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) is held its Executive Meeting in Bulawayo, where Acting President and Mayor of Harare, Cllr Jacob Mafume, emphasized the need to address the welfare of councillors across the country.
Mayor Mafume expressed concern over the well-being of councillors, highlighting the importance of collective action to improve their working conditions. He has been in touch with the ZILGA President and has made a representation to the Minister of Local Government, along with his UCAZ presidential team.
The next step involves local authorities executives, through their Town Clerks, preparing a paper on this critical issue. In addition to addressing councillors’ welfare, Mayor Mafume stressed the importance of unity and good behavior among UCAZ members, particularly mayors.
He urged them to uphold a positive image, not only for themselves but also for the cities they represent. This call for unity is not new from Mayor Mafume, who has previously emphasized the importance of cross-party collaboration to drive city progress.
As one of the oldest local government associations in Africa, UCAZ has a rich history dating back to 1923. The association has been instrumental in promoting the interests of urban local authorities and fostering collaboration among its members.
The UCAZ Executive Meeting serves as a platform for members to discuss pressing issues, share best practices, and chart a course for the future. By prioritizing councillors’ welfare and promoting unity among its members, UCAZ is poised to continue playing a vital role in shaping the urban governance landscape in Zimbabwe.