Story by Online Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on traditional leaders to uphold fairness, impartiality and the protection of Zimbabwe’s national image, emphasising their central role in justice delivery, social cohesion and the preservation of cultural values.
While officially opening the 2025 Annual National Chiefs’ Conference in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa urged traditional leaders to remain custodians of the nation’s dignity and identity.
President Mnangagwa said traditional leadership remains a pillar of Zimbabwe’s governance system, warning against practices that undermine the values and reputation of the country.
“My Government will remain closely intertwined with the Traditional Leaders. And for that, we make no apologies. The Traditional Leaders and communities supported the armed struggle for our liberation. Now under a free and independent Zimbabwe, this relationship will continue to thrive. Let no one disturb this intricate connection. In undertaking this important role in our nation’s governance architecture, I, implore you, our Chiefs, to remain guided by the values that underpin fair and impartial justice delivery. Take into consideration the need to protect our national image and the respect of our identity, dignity, and cultural values,” he said.
The President said the annual gathering was an opportunity to assess progress on national development priorities, particularly in rural communities, where traditional leaders oversee key social and economic structures.
“We have yet another opportunity to reflect on matters affecting our rural communities in general, and the nation at large. Most importantly, we have a duty to take stock of our successes in addressing the aspirations and concerns of the communities which you preside over, as our Chiefs, Headmen and Village Heads. The insights and perspectives we share during this annual gathering should drive our country forward,” he said.
The Head of State commended chiefs for their contributions to agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing under various national programmes, noting that initiatives such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the Winter Wheat programme, livestock schemes, fisheries and horticulture were transforming rural livelihoods.
“I, therefore, commend you our Chiefs, for the successes we continue to witness in the agriculture space, including in mining, infrastructure, tourism and manufacturing sectors. Ndinokutendai mose, Ngiyalibonga lonke. The Pfumvudza-Intwasa, Winter Wheat, Village Business Units, Livestock and Fisheries as well as Horticulture projects are having an impact on overall agriculture productivity across the country. The total harvests, household incomes and quality of livelihoods of our communities continue to improve,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President urged chiefs to guard natural resources and ensure that mining and investment projects are conducted responsibly, with communities fully involved in environmental assessments.
“You, our esteemed Chiefs, are the custodians of the land, environment, as well as natural resources. I, therefore, urge you to continue ensuring that investment projects, including mining activities, are done responsibly and sustainably. Your communities, women and the youth should enjoy the benefits, economic and social value of our God given natural resources. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Councils, the Environmental Management Agency and Forestry Commission, among other stakeholders, are challenged to ensure that local communities are consulted and participate during environmental impact assessements. Musashanda moga mumaOffice enyu, madziMambo neruzhinji rwevanhu, kumatunhu edu ese, ngavazive zvamuri kuita munharaunda dzavo. Government shall continue to insist that investments are undertaken in a responsible and sustainable manner,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted ongoing investments in national infrastructure, including roads, energy, water systems and ICT facilities, noting that both trunk and rural roads were receiving attention.
He noted the expansion of traditional leaders’ roles to include officiating marriages and facilitating birth and death registrations, saying these responsibilities should be executed with professionalism.
“Following the expansion of your duties to be marriage officers and to also facilitate births and deaths registration, the Government expects that our people will have easier access to essential public services within their communities. I am confident that you will undertake these new roles with
utmost professionalism and ethical conduct. Meanwhile, your role in expediting justice delivery, conflict resolution, ensuring peace, unity and social cohesion among communities, remains of critical importance,” he said.
Turning to social issues, President Mnangagwa called for unity in tackling drug and substance abuse and combating gender-based violence. He also urged chiefs to promote indigenous foods and traditional nutrition.
“Our nation cannot afford to suffer from the scourge of drug and substance abuse, as well as Gender Based Violence. Let us all work together under the Whole of Government and Society Approach in the fight against these and other negative social vices.”
