Literacy levels of rural district councillors and implications on development: a case study of Chegutu

Abstract

The rural populace of Zimbabwe has been living in undeveloped areas largely due to inadequate representation by their councillors. Most of the challenges include which require strong leadership and to foster development include lack of infrastructure, high levels of poverty, high levels of illiteracy, failure to attract skilled manpower, few employment opportunities, goods are generally expensive, standards of most schools are poor, limited recreational facilities, investments are low, poor health delivery systems, there is no electricity, communication is poor, villages are not planned. The study identified leadership inadequacy as the challenge as job specification and person specification are not in tandem. The research sought to analyse the link between education and development so as to recommend the calibre of councillors who should be put in office. A mixed approach methodology was adapted in this study that is qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative method was used mainly during field work and the quantitative aspect was used during data analysis through colleration. The research instruments used were self- administered questionnaires distributed to twenty five councillors and six face-to-face interviews held with the CEO of Chegutu RDC and seven councillors. Non-probability sampling method namely Convenience was used in the selection of the participants and the data collected was presented using tables and figures, and analyzed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The research found that there is a link between literacy and development however there are other factors affecting development such as political interference, clash of interest with traditional leaders, different development prioritise. The study recommended that for one to stand as a councillor one should be in possession of at least O level. Further research was recommended on the adapting of Information Communication Technology in leadership especially in citizen participation on issues of development.