Story by Tamuka Charakupa
Traditional leaders have been urged to promote the government’s development agenda.
Kephas Mahule Chikwata was installed the seventh Chief Wozhele in Sanyati.
Officiating at the event, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Honourable Daniel Garwe implored traditional leaders to promote the government’s development agenda.
“As government, we implore our traditional leaders to promote government projects within their areas of jurisdiction. We need our leaders to ensure that we uphold and maintain environmental stewardship and promote our traditional culture and values.
“We are faced with the scourge of drug and substance abuse, and it is the role of traditional leaders to enforce good morals within our communities,” he said.
The local leadership commended the government for its continued commitment towards the welfare of traditional leaders.
“As Mashonaland West, we are grateful that this move has happened and we remain committed to seeing our traditional leaders play their constitutional roles,” said the Permanent Secretary, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Joephat Jaji.
“We are confident the installation of the chief will spearhead development of this community, and this has also provided leadership to the local traditional structures,” said Sanyati Legislator, Honourable Polite Kambamura.
“We are grateful the government is taking a leading role in respecting the welfare of traditional leaders. However, as Mashonaland West, we have a gap of seven chiefs that are vacant, so we still call on the government to continue with the installation processes,” said Chief Ngezi.
The newly-installed Chief Wozhele vowed to hit the ground running, with restoring environmental stewardship being one of his key priorities.
“I am grateful that the government has finally installed me, and I appreciate all the welfare issues that I have received. As Chief, I want to restore order as far as environmental issues are concerned. I will stop the rampant cutting down of trees and illegal settlements, among other issues.”
Chief Wozhele takes over from Mr Rabson Hozheri, who has been in an acting capacity since 2016.
The government is implementing various programmes aimed at improving the welfare of traditional leaders, including allocation of service vehicles, sinking of boreholes, and homestead electrification, among other developments.
