Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed the central role of traditional leaders in combating social vices, safeguarding cultural values and promoting peaceful coexistence, as Chief Mudzimuirema was formally installed in Marondera District on Thursday.
The installation of Chief Mudzimuirema, born Edmore Chirandein Chihota, provided a platform for senior government officials and traditional leaders to underline the enduring relevance of chieftainship in addressing contemporary social challenges, including early child marriages, drug and substance abuse, and environmental degradation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable Daniel Garwe said chiefs remain at the frontline of community leadership and moral guidance.
“We are happy that Chief Nechombo urged traditional leaders to protect the girl child from early child marriages. At the same time, we must also protect the boy child from drug and substance abuse. Chiefs are critical custodians of our culture, and they must also desist from illegal land allocations through sabhuku deals. Grazing land and wetlands must be protected,” he said.
The Chiefs Council described traditional leaders as both custodians of culture and key drivers of local development and social cohesion.
Mashonaland East Chiefs Assembly Chairperson, Chief Nechombo, said the new chief would be expected to play a leading role in promoting stability and development.
“We are pleased with the installation of Chief Mudzimuirema, and we will work together to protect and safeguard our culture. He is expected to help fight early child marriages and gender-based violence, promote peaceful coexistence and support the development agenda,” he said.
President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, assured the new chief of institutional support, while urging communities to respect traditional authority.
“As the Chiefs Council, we will give you all the support you need in your chieftainship. We also call upon the people to continue respecting their traditional leadership,” he said.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, who was represented by his Deputy Director Mr Ignitious Mungure, said traditional leadership remains integral to national development efforts.
“This chieftainship dates back to the 17th century, and the selection process has been followed since the era of Changamire Dombo. We expect the new chief to contribute towards the attainment of Vision 2030. Our children are increasingly caught in drug and substance abuse, and traditional leaders are expected to play a leading role in addressing this challenge,” he said.
The Mudzimuirema chieftainship rotates among four royal houses — Masawi, Nyamunhu, Beredzo and Masekera with the Masekera house providing the newly installed chief.
Chief Mudzimuirema succeeds Chief Patrick Muchenje, who passed away in 2021.
