Government bans foreign trips, purchase of luxury cars for local councils in arrears, owing workers' salaries
The Zimbabwean government has issued a directive banning foreign travel, luxury vehicle purchases, and out-of-town workshops for local councils currently in salary arrears. The policy aims to enforce financial discipline and prioritize the payment of employee wages and essential service delivery.
Why it matters
This reflects a significant move toward fiscal accountability in public administration, directly impacting the welfare of civil servants and the quality of local government services.
GOVERNMENT has banned all foreign travel, out-of-town workshops and purchase of luxury vehicles for any local authority that is owing workers, in a tough new directive aimed at forcing financial discipline.
Through Local Authorities Circular Number 9 of 2026 dated October 20, 2026, Secretary for Local Government Tafadzwa Muguti, said the ministry has noted with “serious concern” that some councils have accumulated salary arrears spanning several months plus outstanding statutory obligations.
“This situation is unacceptable, as it adversely affects the welfare and livelihoods of employees, undermines staff morale, compromises productivity, and ultimately impairs capacity to deliver essential services,” Muguti said.
With immediate effect, all Town Clerks, Town Secretaries and Chief Executive Officer’s (CEOs) have been directed that
“No foreign travel, no council with salary arrears will be allowed to undertake foreign travel.”
Muguti said requests will not be considered favourably until arrears are cleared.
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