Mutare Mayor granted more powers

Martin Muleya

In a significant development, City of Mutare has adopted a resolution allowing Mayor Cllr Simon Chabuka to drive council-owned and maintained vehicles.

 This decision aligns with a recent government directive aimed at granting Mayors greater autonomy in their official duties. 

In a letter dated 17^th April 2025 and addressed to all councils, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe gave nod for mayors and council chairpersons authority to drive local authorities’ vehicles although with some strings attached.

“The Ministry has taken heed of local authorities to allow Mayors/ Council Chairpersons to drive council vehicles in the discharge of their duties. This is to reduce costs related with having council staff always assigned to drive the chairpersons. In most cases the car has to be driven from council offices to collect the chairperson and back, leading to higher fuel costs and travelling and subsistence allowances paid to related staff, given their geographical locations of local authorities,” read the letter.

According to the new policy, Mayor Chabuka has the option to either drive himself or be driven. If he chooses to drive, he must meet specific criteria outlined by the council. These requirements include having a valid driver’s licence with at least two years of driving experience and possessing a defensive driving certificate.

Confirming the development, City Of Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka emphasized that the Mayor’s driving privileges are subject to council policy.

“The Mayor can choose to drive council vehicles provided he satisfies the set criteria. But in order for him to do that he has to get approval of obtaining the car to drive from the Town Clerk. Also he needs to have the requisite driving experience and a defensive driving certificate,” said Chafesuka.

The resolution is expected to enhance the Mayor’s ability to carry out his duties efficiently. By having the flexibility to drive himself, the Mayor can better manage his time and respond to municipal needs in a more agile manner.