Government bans foreign trips, purchase of luxury cars for local councils in arrears, owing workers’ salaries

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.

On workshops, Muguti said councils in arrears shall not hold workshops, retreats or conferences outside their areas. If necessary, hold them inside their jurisdiction.

Regarding purchase of luxury vehicles: “No personal cars, no purchase of vehicles for personal issue or as condition of service for senior managers until arrears and statutory debts are fully settled.”

Regarding service delivery cars, the secretary allowed the purchase, strictly for essential service delivery only.

“Councils may still buy vehicles and equipment strictly for essential service delivery, refuse trucks, ambulances, water bowsers, but must be justified, budgeted and not compromise salary payments.”

He said all indebted councils must prepare time-bound Financial Recovery Plans showing total liabilities, how they will improve revenue collection, control expenditure and clear debts, adding they must submit reports to the ministry with regular updates.

Muguti said Town Clerks and CEOs must exercise firm financial discipline and prioritise workers over non-essential travel and personal benefits.

“The Ministry will monitor compliance and may take appropriate administrative measures within its statutory mandate against those who fail to comply,” he warned.

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