Government has declared that devolution is not a political slogan but a constitutional mandate to drive equitable development across provinces, as the high-level capacity-building workshop on localising devolution and decentralisation opened yesterday at Africa University.
Officially opening the training, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Manicaland, Misheck “Pakuru” Mugadza, said the initiative was “a strategic exercise to ensure resources channelled to Manicaland are applied to capital projects that deliver direct benefits to communities.”
“This is not an academic formality. It is about giving our provincial leadership the tools to translate devolution funds into tangible improvements in the lives of our people. Our communities must feel the impact of this programme through better services and economic opportunities,” said Minister Mugadza
Quoting Section 264 of the Constitution, the Minister underscored that devolution was firmly embedded in law.
“Devolution is neither a retreat of Central Government nor a loose slogan,” he declared. “It is a constitutional pathway where authority and resources are deliberately moved closer to the people,” he said.
Furthermore, emphasised that President Mnangagwa’s consistent endorsement of the policy since 2020 demonstrates “a leadership model that seeks to ensure no one and no place is left behind.”
He highlighted infrastructure improvements and service delivery gains in Manicaland as proof that devolved funds were bearing fruit.
“Local challenges are best handled with local solutions, while Central Government creates the enabling environment through transformative national projects,” he said.
Applauding development partners such as Plan International and Africa University, he described their involvement as “practical synergies that strengthen Government’s Vision for growth.”
Charging the Provincial Development Committee with accountability and unity, Hon Mugadza concluded: “The success of devolution in Manicaland rests on your shoulders. Our people must see and feel the benefits.”
