The case for modernization of local planning authority frameworks in Southern and Eastern Africa: A radical initiative for Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article critiques the dichotomous local planning authority framework and fragmented municipal boundary demarcation in Zimbabwe and suggests systemic transformation to enhance their integrated developmental planning responsiveness. To achieve this, it identifies from Sub-Saharan Africa and Zimbabwe the implications of present local planning authority frameworks on integrated development planning practice and, from a South African case study, some fundamental lessons on total transformation of local planning authority frameworks and constructs a case for a systemic transformational initiative for Zimbabwe. It concludes that the dichotomous structural design and fragmentation that is retained in present frameworks since independence in 1980 remains a major bottleneck and impediment to achieving integrated development planning and requires total systems change. Accordingly, the article proposes systemic transformation initiative towards a new vision and single system of modern developmental local planning authority and boundary demarcation framework for Zimbabwe. Although the focus is on Zimbabwe, the paper recognizes that these perspectives are relevant to several ex-colonial states in Southern and Eastern Africa.