Story by Gay Matambo
THE symbiotic relationship between traditional leaders and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces has been cited as key in advancing rural development across the country.
This came out during this year’s edition of the Masvingo Provincial Traditional Leaders Day held in Zaka this weekend.
Facilitated by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), the day saw all the 52 chiefs from across the province, members of the ZNA, community members and government officials converging at Chief Nhema’s homestead in Zaka to commemorate the day.
The traditional leaders spoke on the importance of the day to them.
“We are happy with this annual event. It strengthens the relationship between us and the army,” Chief Neshuro said.
“We have welcomed this programme with open hands as it gives us a platform to mingle and share notes and ideas with the ZNA in terms of transforming rural livelihoods,” Chief Chilonga added.
“We have also received grocery hampers and farming inputs for the upcoming summer cropping season and we are grateful,” Senator Chief Nhema weighed in.
Chairperson of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Chitanga, reiterated the importance of the day in strengthening the relationship between rural communities, traditional leaders and the ZNA.
“This year we are gathered here at Chief Nhema’s homestead, next year we will go to another Chief’s homestead. The event used to be held at 4 Infantry Brigade, but now rural communities have been included because they, too, attend and get a platform to share with the army what they wish for in terms of development.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira commended the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for spearheading several life-changing developmental projects in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
The government has been implementing several developmental projects in rural parts of the country, including Zaka Rural District. Many devolution projects have been completed and some are still being constructed. What the army is doing is in line with the government’s deliberate initiatives meant to ensure that rural industrialisation is achieved.”
As part of its rural community development initiatives in the province, the ZNA is in the process of constructing Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi and Dumisa Secondary School in Chiredzi.
“We work with traditional leaders to develop rural areas and what is key to note is that we realised that there are few clinics in Mwenezi and we are constructing one there as well as a secondary school in Chikombedzi, after realising that there was a need for another secondary school,” Chief of Staff, Administrative Staff, Major General Asher Tapfumaneyi said.
The traditional leaders also received farming inputs for the Zunde RaMambo programme as part of efforts meant to enhance food security.
