Story by Aifheli Mudau
TRADITIONAL leaders have been called upon to take a leading role in accelerating grassroots development as government intensifies efforts to achieve Vision 2030.
The call was made during an engagement with traditional leaders at Chief Tshitaudze’s homestead in Beitbridge District this Sunday, where collaboration between government and traditional leadership dominated discussions.
Chief Tshitaudze welcomed the engagement, saying traditional leaders are ready to support development initiatives in their areas.
“As traditional leaders, we feel very much honoured that we are being recognised by the government in the development matrix. This is a good move by the government to recognise us as traditional leaders so that we can influence development in our areas,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
Beitbridge West Legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou, spoke on the need to unite in order to attract development.
“Traditional leaders, you should unite so that you can attract development in your areas, so by working together with the government, you will avoid divisive elements within your communities. When allocating land, work together so that the government can also assist you in utilising your land for development. As your Member of Parliament, I am your servant. Let’s continue working together for the development of our areas,” he said.
The government highlighted the importance of working with traditional leaders to foster development at the grassroots level.
“I am here first to thank these traditional leaders for the maximum support they are giving the ruling ZANU PF Party, so I am here to thank Chief Tshitaudze and his Headmen because they are working well with us. The other thing I was here to explain to the traditional leaders is what Vision 2030 and its benefits are, as the President has stated that no place should be left behind. I again told the Village Heads to avoid selling land because the land belongs to the President, together with teaching them how they should manage the land under their jurisdiction,” said Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe.
The engagement comes at a time when the Second Republic, through National Development Strategy two (NDS2), continues with its increased focus on empowering traditional leaders for them to drive local development for the nation to attain an upper middle-income society by 2030.
