A government audit has flagged significant irregularities in Kwekwe City Council’s 2025–2026 budgets, raising fresh concerns over financial management, transparency, and the credibility of the local authority’s planning systems.
Information Ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said the audit uncovered several red flags, including an over-reliance on unstable government grants, an unexplained budget surplus, and questionable accounting entries.
“Kwekwe: An audit of Kwekwe City Council's 2025–2026 budgets has raised serious concerns over financial management,” Mangwana said.
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“Key issues include an over-reliance on unpredictable government grants, an unexplained budget surplus raising transparency concerns, potentially overstated accounts receivable figures, and possible double budgeting for major capital projects.”
He warned that the inconsistencies pose a threat to compliance with national accounting standards and could affect service delivery at a time when residents are demanding improved infrastructure and reliable municipal services.
“These irregularities threaten compliance with accounting standards, undermine budget credibility, and risk service delivery,” he said.
Mangwana added that without urgent corrective action—including diversifying revenue sources, improving financial planning, and strengthening internal controls—the deficiencies could stall development and erode public confidence in the council.
The findings add to mounting pressure on local authorities nationwide to improve financial governance, with government repeatedly urging councils to tighten internal controls and adopt more transparent budgeting practices.
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