Story by Tamuka Charakupa
IN a move aimed at strengthening grassroots development and unity, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has partnered with traditional leaders in Mashonaland West Province, reaffirming its commitment to peace, security, and the promotion of cultural values.
The collaboration highlights the critical role that traditional leaders play as the first point of contact for conflict resolution and community guidance.
Speaking during the engagement, Chief Msampakaruma highlighted the essential role of traditional leaders in maintaining social harmony.
“As traditional leaders, we are the first point of contact for the people in our communities. When there is a misunderstanding or conflict, it starts at the village level, and that is where we come in. Working closely with the Zimbabwe National Army gives us strength and confidence that peace will always prevail. This partnership helps us keep our communities safe, disciplined, and united, and ensures that the values of Ubuntu and respect are upheld among our people,” he said.
Chief Chidziva echoed the sentiment, noting that peace extends beyond the absence of conflict.
“The army and the traditional leadership share a common goal to maintain peace and stability in our communities. This collaboration reminds us that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of understanding and cooperation. We appreciate the continued engagement with the Zimbabwe National Army, especially in supporting development initiatives and promoting harmony among our people. Together, we are stronger and more capable of preserving our culture while embracing progress,” he noted.
The day also coincided with the distribution of agricultural inputs to the traditional leaders, an initiative aimed at boosting food security and supporting community resilience.
“Our people look up to us not only for leadership but also for guidance on development. These agricultural inputs will go a long way in improving food production in our areas. We are grateful to the government and the army for ensuring that communities are equipped to feed themselves. When people are food secure, there is less conflict and more focus on building our nation together,” Chief Ngezi weighed in.
“The government organised this engagement between the Zimbabwe National Army and our traditional leaders to strengthen collaboration in maintaining peace and stability at the community level. Chiefs play a vital role as custodians of culture and social order, while the army safeguards national security. By bringing the two together, we are ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are coordinated from the grassroots up, promoting unity, discipline, and development across the province and the nation at large,” said Mashonaland West Provincial Development Coordinator Mr Temproast Musemwa
Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff, Major General Simo Maseko, emphasised the important role traditional leaders play as custodians of culture and peace.
“Maintaining peace in our country is a collective effort that calls for unity between the security forces, traditional leaders, and communities. The Zimbabwe National Army works closely with chiefs not only to uphold peace and cultural values but also to drive development at the grassroots level. We support community projects, distribute agricultural inputs to boost food security, and create employment through recruitment programmes that empower young people.
“This partnership strengthens social cohesion and ensures that peace, development, and national prosperity move hand in hand,” Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff, Quartermaster Staff, Major General Simo Maseko noted.
The meeting also spotlighted the critical role of traditional leaders in complementing government efforts to curb the scourge of drug and substance abuse, reinforcing their position as key partners in promoting peace, discipline, and social well-being within communities.
