Challenges of Promoting Ethical Conduct in Zimbabwe's Local Authorities: A Thematic Exposition

Reports of different forms of unethical conduct and maladministration have plagued Zimbabwe's local governments. Several reports by the Auditor General and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) have flagged high levels of unethical conduct and maladministration that have threatened effective local governance and service delivery. Concerted efforts are required to curb unethical conduct and thereby salvage local government from imminent collapse. However, studies on ethics in Zimbabwe's local government are scarce. Little is known about the challenges of promoting ethical conduct and behaviour in local government in Zimbabwe. Evidence to substantiate the article's argument was collected qualitatively through documentary and literature reviews. The article highlights power politics and political interference, unethical leadership, salary arrears, and discontentment as major challenges to inculcating ethics within local government. The article ends with recommendations for promoting ethical conduct and behaviour in local government.