Story by Jerold Sasa
THE enduring partnership between traditional leaders and Zimbabwe’s uniformed forces was celebrated in Chikomba District this Friday during the Mashonaland East Provincial Chiefs’ Day.
The commemorations, hosted at Chief Nyoka’s homestead, underscored the collaborative role of chiefs and the army in advancing rural development, food security, and community cohesion.
Senior officials praised the cooperation that has become a cornerstone of national unity.
“As the ZNA, we cherish the relationship we have with our traditional leaders, which has brought peace and development in the country, and we want that to continue,” ZNA Chief of Staff General Staff, Major General Augustine Chipwere said.
“We have worked with the army in several areas, including the Zunde Ramambo programme and construction of community projects,” Mashonaland East Provincial Chiefs Council Chairperson, Chief Nechombo noted.
“As a producer, we value this symbiotic relationship, which has been instrumental in the development of our province, including food security,” Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said.
Traditional leaders and members of the community who attended the celebrations say the day is important in bringing together the army and the community.
“This is a very important day in our calendar, as it brings together the army and the people, and we get to know each other,” Chief Nyoka Host Chief added.
“I enjoyed this day, as there was lots of entertainment, while we also got to see our Chiefs from all the districts, which we rarely do,” a villager noted.
As part of enhancing food security, the traditional leaders received inputs for the Zunde RaMambo programme.
