Section 266: Conduct of employees of provincial and local governments
Constitution of Zimbabwe
(1) Employees of provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities must act in accordance with this Constitution and the law.
(2) No employee of a provincial or metropolitan council or a local authority may, in the exercise of their functions—
(a) act in a partisan manner;
(b) further the interests of any political party or cause;
(c) prejudice the lawful interests of any political party or cause; or
(d) violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.
(3) Employees of provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities must not be office-bearers of any political party.
(4) An Act of Parliament must make provision to ensure the political neutrality of employees of provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities.
PART 2
PROVINCES AND PROVINCIAL AND M ETROPOLITAN C OUNCILS
Insight on Conduct of Employees of Provincial and Local Governments
This section establishes a clear boundary between government administration and politics at the local level. By requiring political neutrality from provincial and local government employees, the constitution aims to ensure that public services are delivered impartially to all citizens regardless of political affiliation. This separation helps prevent patronage systems where government resources might be allocated based on political loyalty rather than need or merit.
The prohibition against employees holding political party positions reinforces this separation and helps maintain public trust in local governance institutions.