Rogue Housing Co-ops Get Government Warning

The government has warned housing co-operatives that are flouting governance rules, stating that 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 tour of the Hatcliffe Housing Union Co-operative on Wednesday. 

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, is 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.  Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

"Let me be unequivocal: Co-operatives were never banned since their establishment, as they are a result of an Act of Parliament which was never repealed," he said. However, Mutimbanyoka stressed 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.

He revealed that a tripartite partnership involving the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities, and local authorities like the Harare City Council is working to provide an enabling environment, policy guidance, and land for co-operatives. He framed the work of housing co-operatives as critical to achieving national and global goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Zimbabwe's Vision 2030, and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).