More Than Urban Local Governance? - Warrning Over Zimbabwe's Fading Cities

This article revisits the public conflicts between central government and opposition-controlled urban councils in Zimbabwe. It argues that with the weakening of the opposition, the real political contest between the main parties is being played out over decentralised local governance in urban centres. The contest is primarily for the heart and soul of the cities. Reviewing government efforts to subdue renegade local authorities, the paper identifies the major points of contentions and evaluates government’s case. It also picks out inherent contradictions and some uestionable decisions, all of which lead to important questions about the nature and efficacy of government’s strategies, and, consequently, its real intention(s).