Story by Courage Bushe
TRADITIONAL leaders have been urged to take a leading role in combating gender-based violence (GBV), drug and substance abuse, and other social challenges, as Government intensifies efforts to strengthen family cohesion and promote peace in communities.
The call was made during the belated Provincial Family Day commemorations held at Chief Mafala’s homestead in Zvishavane, where traditional leaders were encouraged to utilise community courts and customary structures to address social ills and preserve cultural values.
Officials said chiefs and village heads remain critical partners in fostering social cohesion, strengthening family structures and supporting development initiatives at community level.
Traditional leaders attending the event welcomed the initiative, saying it would enhance their capacity to deal with emerging challenges in their jurisdictions.
“There were gender-based violence cases in my jurisdiction, but we did not know how to solve the problems. However, the programme has given us an opportunity as traditional leaders to play a crucial role in fighting these social ills. We will work with various stakeholders and develop our area,” said one traditional leader.
Another said the programme would strengthen traditional leadership structures.
“This is a good development because, as chiefs, we are custodians of our people and we need to continue learning every day. We are happy with the programme and applaud the Government for always reminding us to remain focused and embrace development. This initiative will work well in our respective communities,” he said.
Speaking at the commemorations, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Provincial Development Officer, Mr Kudzai Chidhume said peace and national unity remain central to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“Government, in its development drive and aspirations under Vision 2030, is anchored on a set of values, one of which is peace and national unity. Reform measures under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme entail a departure from past commissions and omissions, peaceful coexistence among various segments of society, and the healing of wounds from the past,” he said.
Government says community-based initiatives led by traditional leaders are essential in maintaining peace, strengthening families and accelerating the country’s development agenda.
