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Manicaland Correspondent
MAKONI Rural District councillors have been challenged to be transparent and socially accountable to the electorate to foster a spirit of cohesion and meaningful development in their respective wards. Speaking at the official opening of a two-day social accountability workshop recently, district administrator Mr Darlington Museka said councillors were the key drivers of rural economic development and must promote participatory development and citizen empowerment.

“As leaders, councillors must demonstrate that they are about the communities that they lead,” he said. “We encourage you to be servant leaders who put the interests of the majority first. Ensure that you dispense your duties in an inclusive, participatory and collaborative manner, which ultimately reduces conflict and increases cooperation.

“As councillors, you are expected to champion development in your areas of jurisdiction. Shun all corrupt tendencies and also work in tandem with other Government structures in your wards. Councillors must respect the laws of the land and avoid abusing their positions. You must respect the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Rural District Councils Act.”

Mr Obert Gonzo, executive director of Family Visions Trust which organised the workshop, said accountability by those in authority led to responsible leadership.

He said the roles and duties of councillors should be clearly defined so that they become answerable for their actions.
“Social responsibility is a process that empowers citizens to make their leaders such as councillors responsive to their needs and demands,” said Mr Gonzo. “It gives communities the power to demand quality service provision and responsiveness of the councillors to issues affecting communities.

“In situations where accountability is respected, leaders consult and give feedback to the communities in which they are living.

“Communities, on the other hand, are able to ask their leaders questions or seek clarity on services they are expecting or getting. Citizens and leaders cannot exist without engaging each other. Accountable leaders make communities they lead cooperative, responsible and less antagonistic. Being accountable benefits not only citizens but leaders also.”

Mr Gonzo said people became supportive, collaborative and respectful to their leaders when they were happy with the manner in which leaders were answerable for their actions and responsive to local problems.

“When councillors are accountable, they increase transparency, reduce mistrust from people and prevent corruption and nepotism,” said Mr Gonzo.

Makoni is the biggest district in the country with 39 wards and an estimated population of 380 000 people.