Matabeleland North civil servants still based in Bulawayo as Lupane move stalls

BULAWAYO/LUPANE — Only four Matabeleland North provincial government officers have so far relocated to Lupane, Parliament heard, with inadequate office space and accommodation continuing to delay the transfer of provincial staff from Bulawayo.

Hon. Molokele-Tsiye raised the matter in the National Assembly on August 19, asking when the full provincial administration would be based in Lupane rather than operating from Bulawayo.

“Our officers are based at Mhahlandlela, when are we having the full complement based in Lupane? We want deadlines,” Hon. Molokele-Tsiye said.

Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Hon. Dinha said the relocation was constrained by a lack of infrastructure in the provincial capital.

“Four officers have moved to Lupane so far due to limited office space,” Hon. Dinha told Parliament.

“Local Government has not yet come up with a set deadline to avail more office space and accommodation.”

The exchange highlights the unfinished process of establishing Lupane as the operational provincial capital for Matabeleland North, while government staff remain based at Mhlahlandlela in Bulawayo.

The House was not given a date by which the required offices and accommodation would be completed or when the remaining officers would move.

Community Podium is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding NGO Reporting Award. This reflects our dedication to amplifying community voices and advancing public-interest journalism.