Section 5: Tiers of government
Constitution of Zimbabwe
The tiers of government in Zimbabwe are—
(a) the national Government;
(b) provincial and metropolitan councils; and
(c) local authorities, that is to say—
(i) urban councils, by whatever name called, to represent and manage the affairs of
people in urban areas; and
(ii) rural councils, by whatever name called, to represent and manage the affairs of
people in rural areas within the districts into which the provinces are divided.
This constitutional section establishes Zimbabwe's three-tier governance structure, creating a hierarchical system of authority and responsibility. This arrangement aims to ensure that governance is both centralized (through the national government) and decentralized (through provincial/metropolitan councils and local authorities). The distinction between urban and rural councils acknowledges the different needs and challenges faced by communities based on their geographic and demographic characteristics.