City of Masvingo (Control of Worship in Open Spaces) By-laws, 2025
Open-air church gatherings in Masvingo now need a council permit — US$10 to apply, US$20 a month — worship is restricted to 5am–6pm, and worshipping without a permit costs US$20.
These by-laws require a council permit before people may gather in an open space in the City of Masvingo for worship. The council designates the places where public worship may happen, and only where the site has adequate sanitary facilities, temporary or permanent, inspected and approved by an environmental health practitioner under the Public Health Act.
Applications are made on the council's form with the prescribed fee. The council weighs the Public Health Act, the Environmental Management Act and its own by-laws — including the anti-litter by-laws — and may attach conditions. An inspection report from the environmental health practitioner and building plans must be submitted before any temporary or permanent structure goes up on the site, and no tree may be cut down on the open space without council approval.
Worship is restricted to the hours between 05:00 and 18:00, on the days stated in the permit, with extensions available on written application and payment of a fee. A police officer or authorised person may direct anyone obstructing or causing a nuisance to worshippers to move away.
The council must cancel the permit of a holder who breaches its conditions; the permit may not be renewed until the cause is fixed, and must be returned within 48 hours of notification.
Fees are US$10 to apply, US$20 a month for the permit, US$20 to renew, US$20 for inspection and US$10 to apply for extended hours. Penalties are US$20 for worshipping without a permit, for a designated place lacking adequate sanitation, for cutting trees and for failing to return a cancelled permit, and US$100 for obstructing access to an open space. An unpaid liability after 90 days is a further offence carrying a fine up to level 3 or two years' imprisonment.
What changed
- A council permit is required to gather for worship in an open space
- Permit costs US$10 to apply and US$20 a month, with US$20 inspection and renewal fees
- Worship restricted to 05:00–18:00 on the days stated in the permit, with paid extensions
- Sites must have sanitary facilities approved by an environmental health practitioner
- Worshipping without a permit costs US$20; obstructing access to an open space US$100; unpaid liabilities after 90 days risk two years' imprisonment
Who this affects
- Apostolic and other congregations worshipping in open spaces
- Church leaders applying for permits
- Residents living near open-air worship sites
- Council environmental health officers
Plain-language summary — not legal advice. Always read the full instrument.