Control of Worship in Open Spaces in Zimbabwe

Gathering in open spaces for purposes of worship in Zimbabwe is something that requires authorisation and a permit. Local government by-laws and regulations in Zimbabwe provide for the Control of Worship in Open Spaces in Zimbabwe.

Most of the modern cities and towns in the country have established by-laws which regulate the Control of Worship in Open Spaces. These include, but are not limited to:

• • Bindura Municipality (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By – Laws, 2019
• • City of Masvingo (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-Laws, 2025
• • Epworth Local Board (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-Laws, 2019
• • Insiza Rural District Council (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By – Laws, 2025
• • Harare (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By – Laws, 2016;
• • Mutare (Control of Worship in Public Areas and Open Spaces) By-Laws, 2019;
• • Mberengwa Rural District Council (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By – Laws, 2025
• • Plumtree Town (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-Laws, 2025;
• • Redcliff (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-Laws, 2022
• • Shurugwi (Control of Worship in Open Spaces), 2025
• • Zvishavane Town Council (Control of Worship in Open Spaces), By-Laws, 2018.

What is an open space?

The general definition provided in Control of Worship in Open Space By – Laws is that an open space refers to an open space to which the public or any section of the public has access or any area which has been designated for development under a local authority plan, but remains undeveloped which can be used for the purposes of worship.

Who designates places for open public worship?

Local authorities designate places or areas where persons can gather for purposes of public worship. The designated places should have adequate sanitary facilities of a temporary or permanent nature and be inspected and approved by an Environment Health Practitioner in terms of the Public Health Act [Chapter 15:17].

Furthermore, local authorities also have the authority to restrict the days and times of worship. For instance, public worship may be restricted from 05:00hours to 18:00hours, and any extension of time, would require a written application and approval from the local authority.

Application procedure

An application for a permit to conduct open space worship is made to the relevant local authority, and in the prescribed form of the specific local authority and accompanied by a prescribed fee which is generally set out in a Schedule. Local authorities have discretion to approve or refuse the granting of an application taking into account the provisions of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:07] and the Public Health Act [Chapter 15:17] and any other by-laws including but no limited to anti-litter by-laws which may be in place.