Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
BIKITA – Fresh from being ranked seventh among Zimbabwe’s best-performing rural district councils, Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) has launched a fresh offensive against corruption, with councillors and senior management signing integrity pledges designed to safeguard the governance reforms credited for the local authority’s recent success.
The signing of the pledges, facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in partnership with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), saw 42 councillors and 11 senior managers commit themselves to ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption.
The move comes as Bikita RDC seeks to consolidate a remarkable rise in performance, with council officials saying the national ranking reflects years of deliberate reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving financial management and delivering better services to residents.
In an interview, Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Arnold Mtuke, attributed the council’s achievement to strategic reforms that have transformed the way the local authority operates.
“The achievement is a result of deliberate reforms focused on good governance, financial management, enhanced revenue collection, improved service delivery, and working towards targets of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS). We also strengthened stakeholder engagement, accountability systems and project implementation monitoring,” said Mtuke.
He said the council had also strengthened local governance structures by ensuring traditional leaders play an active role in development planning and implementation.
“There is still work to be done, but the foundation has been laid, and we will continue implementing our development plan,” he said.
Mtuke said Bikita RDC’s performance was reflected in tangible development projects that have improved the lives of residents.
These include the construction of classroom blocks to improve access to education, installation of solar-powered boreholes and establishment of community gardens to strengthen water and food security, road maintenance programmes, upgrades to health infrastructure, the commissioning of a new clinic in 2025 and livelihood projects implemented with development partners.
He said the council had also improved financial management, strengthened local revenue mobilisation, built strategic partnerships with development organisations and increased community participation in development projects, with traditional leaders playing a leading role.
Mtuke said Bikita RDC was embracing digitalisation, strengthening transparency and accountability, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and adopting results-based management to ensure sustainable development.
“To sustain and improve performance, the council will continue strengthening governance systems, enhancing service delivery, improving infrastructure development, increasing revenue efficiency and deepening stakeholder engagement. Our focus remains on delivering tangible benefits to communities across all wards,” he said.
Speaking during the integrity pledge signing ceremony at Pambudzi Lodge near Nyika Growth Point, ZACC Masvingo Provincial Head Tafirenyika Maringire said corruption remained one of the biggest threats to development and urged local authorities to protect public resources through ethical leadership.
“We have come here today to sensitise Bikita RDC councillors, management and traditional leaders on the constitutional mandate and investigative scope of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
“Local authorities should operate with standard operating procedures. We don’t expect you to fight at the expense of service delivery and avoid taking bribes or gifts. You should stand guided by your principles and policies,” he said.
The integrity pledges commit councillors and senior officials to uphold patriotism, promote good corporate governance, ensure the transparent and equitable distribution of public resources, encourage whistleblowing, uphold democratic rights and prevent sexual abuse, harassment and intimidation.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Strengthening Governance and Integrity Systems of Bikita Rural District Council,” was attended by ZACC officials, governance trainer Mark Choga and Bikita District Development Coordinator Bernard Hadzirabwi.
For Bikita RDC, the integrity pledges represent more than a symbolic exercise; they are part of a broader strategy to protect the governance systems that have propelled the council into the country’s top-performing local authorities while laying the foundation for sustained service delivery and inclusive development.
“Our desired legacy is a transformed Bikita with improved livelihoods, modern infrastructure, inclusive development and strong local governance institutions. This achievement belongs to our residents, councillors, traditional leaders, staff, development partners and all stakeholders. Together we will continue building a prosperous Bikita for future generations,” said Mtuke.
