About Us

Background

Zimbabwe has a population of around 15 million people. Of this population, 55% to 65% live in rural areas. The 60 Rural District Councils (RDCs) are responsible for the welfare and the general socio-economic development of these people.

Every single day these same councils make decisions that impact significantly on the lives of their respective citizens. Councillors and Council Officials spend much time and effort on consulting and working together with ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs and a great number of local organisations in order to serve their interests. Rural District Councils have a need for consultation, research and guidance, whether in preparing their long term plans and carrying out their daily duties. The Association of Rural District Councils (ARDCZ) plays a crucial role in providing such information and advice.

Mandate

The ARDCZ is a body corporate recognised by the Rural District Councils Act 29:13 which forms the legal basis of rural self-governance in the country. It was established in July 1993 following the abolition of the dual and racially based system of Rural Councils and District Councils that had formed Zimbabwe’s rural local government system since before independence.

Vision

Sustainable, development, representative and inclusive local governance by 2030.

Values

Sustainable, development, representative and inclusive local governance by 2030.

Mission

To advance and safeguard the rights and duties of Rural District Councils through promotion of local governance role in sustainable development, and service provision for betterment of rural livelihoods.

Objectives

In pursuance of its mission the Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe (ARDCZ) acknowledges the following broad objectives:

Enhancing the role and status of Rural District Councils.

Transforming local government in rural Zimbabwe to enable it to fulfil its developmental role.

Ensuring the full participation of women in local government affairs.

Strengthening the relevance of national policy affecting local government.

The ARDCZ also assumes responsibility for:

Representing, promoting and protecting the rights and interests of Rural District Councils.
Advocating for appropriate and supportive policies for sound local government practices
Disseminating local government information and promoting education on rural local government matters.
Providing a forum for the sharing of experiences and lessons learned within the RDCs.
Facilitating collaboration between and among members, government and any other body or association having as its objectives the advancement of local government
Scrutinizing actual and draft legislation affecting the constitution, scope, rights, duties, powers and privileges of Rural District Councils and making such representations as may be deemed desirable.
Providing advisory and other services to Rural District Councils.

Congress

The affairs of the Association are governed by the Congress which consists of:

Council Chairpersons of the 60 Rural District Councils.
a President;
two Vice-Presidents who are equal in status;
one voting delegate from every member council, which delegate shall be a councillor.

The Congress meets every five years at a time and place fixed at the preceding meeting of Congress. It is the ultimate authority within the Association, especially on matters of policy.

National Executive Committee (NEC)

The Executive comprises the President and two Vice-Presidents of the Association plus eight provincial representatives. The Executive endeavours by all constitutional means to effect any recommendations of Congress and generally to take such action as may further the interests of the Association or any of its members. It is also entrusted with the management of all funds and assets of the Association.

The specific powers granted to the Executive by the constitution of the ARDCZ include the following:

The Executive may appoint special committees or sub-committees for specific purposes.
The Executive appoints the Chief Executive Officer and other staff and employees and sets their conditions of service.

Presidential Committee

In order to guide the operations of the Association, the Executive has appointed a sub-committee, comprising the President, the Vice-Presidents and the Chief Executive Officer and known as the Presidential Committee. This committee meets quarterly.

Organisation and Staffing

The day to day management of the Association is the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer who is the General Secretary of the Association in terms of the constitution.

Activities Of The Association

In order to meet its objectives the Association is engaged in a wide range of programmes and activities and these can be divided into three major areas: communication and provision of services.

Promoting Members’ Interests

Keeping in touch with Government

In order to carryout their tasks properly, RDC need to collaborate with other branches of government and social organisations. For this reason, the ARDCZ has built up an extensive network of relations. The ARDCZ secretariat devotes a great deal of time to contacts with central government, parliament, the private sector, other interest groups and the external support agencies. In addition, the Association is actively involved in the preparation of government policy by being a member of several government task teams. The Association believes that to be actively involved in the preparation of government policy makes it easier for RDCs to manage regulations and legislation.

ARDCZ