Zimbabwe: Gov’t warns stubborn housing cooperatives
The directive was delivered by Women Affairs Deputy Minister Kiven Mutimbanyoka during a recent tour of the Hatcliffe Housing Union Cooperative
HARARE, February 4, 2026 —The Government of Zimbabwe has warned housing cooperatives that are flouting governance rules, saying mandatory annual audits, elections and general meetings are non-negotiable for their legitimacy and survival.
The directive was delivered by Women Affairs Deputy Minister Kiven Mutimbanyoka during a recent tour of the Hatcliffe Housing Union Cooperative.
While praising the transformative role of housing co-operatives in providing affordable shelter, Mutimbanyoka distinguished clearly between compliant and rogue entities.
He stated that strong governance, as enshrined in the Co-operative Societies Act, was fundamental to protecting members’ investments and trust.
He outlined key compliance pillars such as holding an annual general meeting as the supreme decision-making body, upholding economic membership and submitting to yearly independent audits.
“Let me be unequivocal: Cooperatives were never banned since their establishment, as they are a result of an Act of Parliament which was never repealed,” he said.
However, Mutimbanyoka emphasised that the provision of housing stands should be matched with basic amenities.
“A house without clean water, proper sanitation, or reliable sewer systems cannot truly be called a home,” he said.
The minister disclosed that a tripartite partnership involving the Local Government and Public Works ministry, the National Housing and Social Amenities ministry and local authorities like the Harare City Council is working to provide an enabling environment, policy guidance and land for cooperatives.
He framed the work of housing cooperatives as critical to achieving national and global goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.
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