Story by Courage Bushe
THE fifth Chief Chiwundura was formally installed on Thursday at a ceremony attended by hundreds of villagers and government officials at Gunde High School in Chiwundura, amid calls for traditional leaders to uphold cultural values and safeguard the environment.
Born Abedinico Tavengwa, the newly installed leader assumed office following his appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year.
Speakers at the ceremony said the installation marked a new chapter for the Chiwundura community, with expectations that the chief will strengthen governance structures and spearhead development initiatives.
“The installation of Chief Chiwundura is a great addition to the Midlands Province traditional leadership. We have no doubt that he will actively contribute to community governance and development in the Chiwundura area,” said one community member.
Villagers expressed optimism that the new chief would reinforce unity and accelerate ongoing development projects.
“Your role as a chief extends beyond tradition; it encompasses the vital duties of fostering development, nurturing community cohesion, and driving progress in your jurisdiction,” a villager said.
Another resident added: “We are a community that is in a massive development drive. The installation of the Chief will give us more power to continue with this development.”
Government officials used the occasion to underscore the statutory responsibilities of traditional leaders, particularly in promoting cultural heritage and implementing national programmes at grassroots level.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, reminded the chief of his developmental mandate.
“You are mandated to ensure that you help in the feeding of your people through Zunde Ramambo. You are also mandated to convey government projects to your people. We rely on you for everything to do with development in your community. I urge the Chief to treat everyone fairly with respect and love,” he said.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, said the new chief’s duties are guided by the Traditional Leaders Act.
“To the newly appointed Chief, your role as the traditional head of the community in your jurisdiction, you shall, in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act, be responsible, among others, to promote and uphold cultural values among members of the community under your jurisdiction, particularly the preservation of the extended family and promotion of traditional family life,” he said.
As part of his conditions of service, Chief Chiwundura received a vehicle at the ceremony.
The installation comes as government continues to emphasise the role of traditional leaders as custodians of culture, drivers of rural development and stewards of environmental conservation.
