Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE Government has called on local authorities to deepen collaboration with traditional leaders as a key strategy for driving community development and achieving Vision 2030.
Addressing an engagement meeting between councillors and chiefs in Masvingo, officials underscored the importance of unity in local governance, emphasising that inclusive growth and the devolution agenda depend on strong partnerships at the grassroots level.
“As traditional leaders, we are happy with the development programmes being implemented by our government in our communities, and this meeting has come at the right time to ensure that we work together with local authorities supporting their initiatives in our communities,” Chief Mugabe said.
“As councillors, we are representatives of our communities; however, our wards are within traditional leadership’s jurisdiction, hence this meeting was just emphasising the importance of us working together to ensure improved livelihoods of our people,” Councillor Christine Charumbira said.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, called for unity of purpose, stressing that councillors and chiefs form the “third tier” of governance and must act in concert to realise the nation’s development goals.
“We are calling for unity of purpose between our councillors and our Chiefs. These two critical institutions of traditional leadership and local authorities form the third tier of government in terms of governance, hence they must unite for us to realize the expectations of vision 2030. Councillors must respect and work together with traditional leaders because they are the custodians of our communities. Development starts at the grassroots, and Vision 2030 can only be realised if everyone plays their part,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, added that community participation is central to the national development agenda.
“Community participation in the national development agenda is very key, and remember the devolution programme is people-centred.”
President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, welcomed the engagement, describing it as a vital step towards strengthening traditional governance and ensuring that development initiatives are culturally grounded and inclusive.
“These meetings are key as they create room for collaboration on how to implement development in our communities and ensure improved livelihoods of our people. As traditional leaders, we are ready to support government programmes that uplift our people,” he said.
The engagement meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Local Government to harmonise development structures at the community level, ensuring that the aspirations of Vision 2030 are achieved through unity, accountability, and inclusive participation.
