Original Research

Zimbabwe’s transition to a devolved system of government: Critical factors for success

Tawanda Nyikadzino, Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad
Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review | Vol 10, No 1 | a604 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v10i1.604 | © 2022 Tawanda Nyikadzino, Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 05 October 2021 | Published: 20 April 2022

About the author(s)

Tawanda Nyikadzino, School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad, School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The national development roadmap of the Zimbabwean government emphasises devolution as a fundamental plank in alleviating poverty and regional inequalities. However, the government is grappling with the transition to a devolved government system.

Aim: This article aimed to explore the critical success factors for guiding the devolution process in Zimbabwe.

Setting: The research is descriptive in nature and provides a detailed analysis of the devolution processes in Zimbabwe.

Methods: The article is theoretical, and considered a qualitative, descriptive research approach.

Results: The article argues that devolution has the potential to achieve the intended benefits if implementation fundamentals are in place.

Conclusion: The article provides the political, fiscal, legislative, and institutional reforms critical for the successful implementation of devolution. These reforms are complementary and mutually reinforcing in facilitating the transition to a devolved government system.


Keywords

decentralisation; devolution; multilevel governance; intergovernmental relations; local governance; Zimbabwe

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Crossref Citations

1. Interrogating the feasibility and efficacy of devolved regional governments in Zimbabwe
Vincent Chakunda, Gram Matenga
Regional & Federal Studies  first page: 1  year: 2024  
doi: 10.1080/13597566.2024.2399693