The legacies of colonial administrative systems and their influence on the performance of local authorities in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study examined the legacy and imprint of colonial administrative systems, behavioural systems and administrative processes on the post-colonial administrative systems in present day Zimbabwe. The key findings were that the colonial administrative system had a bearing on the transformation of local government in Zimbabwe. It was also established that the current local government system inherited most of the colonial administrative processes. The study recommended a holistic, hybrid approach to address critical factors or issues affecting the performance of both rural and urban local authorities in Zimbabwe.