Councilors were challenged to put their words into action during a radio discussion held on Tuesday 14 June 2016. During the Communities in Action radio discussion, hosted by ERC, which seeks to bridge the gap between local leaders and citizens by encouraging dialogue, Councilors were criticized for failing to put their campaign manifestos into action. Although there were two guests who included a Councilor and a Village Head from Ward 21 Chiredzi under Masvingo Province, citizens were more concerned about holding the Councilor to account. This could be attributed to the fact that citizens believe they hold more power over leaders they elected into office rather than those that are appointed. Over the years, citizens have traditionally been docile and passive but since the launch of Communities in Action campaign and other initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in local government, citizens have been empowered to express their voice on community issues affecting them. Most importantly, citizens have begun to realize that they have an upper-hand over elected officials and once they express their concerns via this platform, their voices are heard. In turn, elected leaders are beginning to realize that their task is to serve the people have voted them into office or risk being voted out.

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