Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Second Republic has intensified efforts to capacitate traditional leaders and fill long-standing vacant chieftainships, underlining the central role of customary institutions in grassroots governance and national development.
This thrust was underscored on Friday during the installation of Mr Ben Chipanda as the 18th Chief Nematombo at Karambazungu Primary School in Hurungwe West, Mashonaland West Province.
The ceremony highlighted the continued relevance of traditional leadership as a pillar of peace, cultural preservation and development in rural communities, where chiefs play a critical role in conflict resolution and social cohesion.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Nematombo said he was humbled by the confidence shown by both Government and the community, pledging to prioritise unity and development.
“I am humbled by the confidence placed in me by the government and my people. As traditional leaders, our responsibility is to promote peace, resolve conflicts amicably and ensure unity within our communities. We will continue to work closely with government structures to preserve our culture while supporting development programmes that uplift the lives of our people,” Chief Nematombo said.
The Chief’s Council leadership praised the Second Republic for clearing the backlog of vacant chieftainships and the continued capacitation of traditional leaders.
“I would like to thank the Second Republic for addressing the long-standing backlog of vacant chieftainships. This has strengthened traditional institutions and restored leadership at the community level. The continued capacitation of chiefs through resources and training is enabling us to effectively support peace, development and good governance in our areas,” president of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo said.
“Traditional leaders remain key partners in the implementation of government policies at the grassroots level. With the support we are receiving, we are better positioned to mobilise communities, resolve disputes and ensure that development initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries. We will work hard to ensure Vision 2030 is fulfilled,” Mashonaland West Chairperson for the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Ngezi said.
Mashonaland West leadership commended traditional leaders for promoting the government’s developmental agenda.
“Local leadership remains critical in resolving conflicts at the community level because they understand the people and their challenges. We continue to encourage traditional leaders to fully embrace devolution and to make effective use of established structures such as WARDCOs and VIDCOs. These platforms promote dialogue, inclusivity and collective decision-making, which are key to sustaining peace and accelerating development in our communities,” Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Marian Chombo said.
“We continue to witness the positive impact of traditional leaders in maintaining peace and supporting national development priorities. Their collaboration with government departments is key to achieving sustainable development at the community level,” Hurungwe West legislator Honourable Chinjai Kambuzuma said.
As Chief Nematombo formally assumes office, attention now turns from ceremony to service, with traditional leadership expected to remain central to building peaceful, united communities capable of driving the national development agenda.
