Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
MASHONALAND CENTRAL – TRADITIONAL leaders have commended government for improving their welfare and honouring their position as custodians of the country’s culture and heritage.
More than 20 chiefs convened at Mazowe Hotel this Wednesday for a Provincial Chiefs Council meeting, held under the auspices of the National Council of Chiefs, which sits biannually to deliberate on cultural, developmental, and governance issues affecting traditional communities.
Chairperson of the Mashonaland Central Chiefs Council, Chief Negomo, hailed the government for extending essential support to traditional leaders and communities under various national programmes.
“We had a successful meeting where all the chiefs freely expressed themselves. They expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the timely delivery of food under Zunde RaMambo, the provision of farming inputs, boreholes, electricity, and vehicles. We also resolved to collectively confront the issue of drug and substance abuse, which is affecting both the youth and some elders. We believe there is need for stronger legislation to address this national concern.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator, Chief Nyamaropa, commended the improved logistical and welfare support that traditional leaders now enjoy.
“We are proud of a government that respects its chiefs, and we in turn support our government. In the past, we travelled without fuel and slept in schools. Today, we have vehicles and accommodation, and we hold our meetings with dignity. The President spoke of a bumper harvest, and indeed, we received good rains and people harvested.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with traditional leaders in local development.
“For national development to succeed, we must respect our traditions. Government programmes do not exclude customs, and our chiefs, as custodians of cultural values, remain central to inclusive development in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.”
Discussions also touched on the pending installation of recently appointed traditional leaders, with ceremonies for the investiture of Chief Chapoto and Chief Chisunga expected in the coming months.
