Wallace Ruzvidzo, Harare Bureau
AS a strategic national institution, traditional leaders remain one of Zimbabwe’s critical lines of defence against alien cultural practices, which come under the guise of modernity, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address at the annual National Chiefs Conference in Harare yesterday, the President said the Second Republic would unapologetically remain closely intertwined with traditional leaders.
“Ndimi varidzi vevhu. Hurumende yandinotungamira icharamba ichitsigira kushanda kwedu pamwe chete,” he said.
“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.
“Our collective resolve saw us claim back the land of our forefathers, and realise independence, freedom and democracy.”
Chiefs, headmen and village heads were vital cogs in facilitating development planning and the implementation of projects at village and ward levels, added President Mnangagwa.
Presently, there are 35 000 village heads, 550 headmen and 310 chiefs.
“I commend the leadership, support and guidance you continue to render to local authorities, with regard to advancing our national development aspirations.
“This has seen tangible progress in terms of the construction of key infrastructure such as schools, clinics, roads and bridges, as well as working spaces for small to medium enterprises, among other projects.
“This positive culture of co-operation and unity of purpose must be sustained. Additionally, the strengthening and capacitation of grassroots development structures, in the form of village and ward assemblies, as well as development committees, should be scaled up,” said the President.
Traditional leaders have a mandate to carry out functions as prescribed under Section 282 of the Constitution, including promoting and upholding the cultural values of communities and, in particular, sound family values.
President Mnangagwa then applauded the Chiefs for diligently preserving and promoting the country’s shared national culture, traditions and identity.
He added that following the expansion of their duties, which have seen them also serving as marriage officers and facilitating births and deaths registration, the Government expects to see the general citizenry having easier access to essential public services in their communities.
“I am confident that you will undertake these new roles with uttermost 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.
“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,” he said.
The President challenged the Chiefs to consider the need to protect the national image and respect for local identity, dignity and cultural values.
Zimbabwe cannot afford to suffer from the scourge of drug and substance abuse as well as gender-based violence, added President Mnangagwa.
“Let us all work together under the Whole-of-Government and Society Approach in the fight against these and other negative social vices,” he said.
On investments in traditional leaders’ areas of influence, the President said investors should respect the country’s laws, traditions and customs.
“Avo vasingadi kutevedzera mitemo yedu, nekukoshesa tsika dzedu, ngavadzokere kwavo,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Chiefs were then encouraged 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 assessments.
“Musashanda moga muma office enyu, madzi Mambo 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,” said the President.
With regards to traditional leaders’ conditions of service, he said his administration remains committed to improving their remuneration.
Yesterday, President Mnangagwa handed over vehicles to Chiefs who were yet to receive their allotted vehicles.
In addition, all Chiefs received smartphones and US$1 500 each.
President Mnangagwa said the provision of electricity, water and sanitation facilities as well as the construction of access roads, among other facilities, is ongoing.
In respect of medical aid and funeral insurance, Government is working, together with partners and service providers, to put in place comprehensive policy packages for traditional leaders.
President Mnangagwa said a stronger, industrialised and modern economy depends largely on increased agricultural production and productivity, food security and adequate supply of raw materials for various industries.
As such, he commended the Chiefs for the successes the country continues to witness in the agriculture, 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 agricultural productivity across the country.
“The total harvests, household incomes and quality of livelihoods of our communities, continue to improve.
“Zvinodadisa kuti isu vene venyika, tavakushandisa ivhu redu, tichisimudzira matunhu enyika yedu,” he said.
Government will continue to support and resource all policies and programmes rolled out under the Second Republic, including the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi programme.
“Ndinovimba kuti ma inputs ari kusvika kumatunhu edu ose. The ultimate goal of these interventions under the Rural Development 8.0 Programme is to accelerate rural industrialisation.
“Facilities, which include factories for agro-processing, storage and the marketing of agricultural produce, are being constructed by my administration,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes across the country is ongoing to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
The completion of Lake Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi Dam is being accelerated, he added.
“My Government’s aim is to ensure that these dams, among others, become fully operational, with the requisite and modern water conveyancing infrastructure.
“This will enable the creation of agriculture green belts, for the benefit of our communities and the country as a whole,” he said.
The development, construction and rehabilitation of roads, energy, water and ICT infrastructure projects will continue to be pursued.
Said the President: “As we attend to our main highways, the need to maintain and modernise trunk and rural roads will equally receive the necessary support and resources.
“Under the Second Republic we have said ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabinakazi balo’
“Therefore, to accelerate the building, modernisation and industrialisation of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, human capital development remains central.
“Investments in innovation, science and technology development, as well as the manufacturing sector through value addition and beneficiation of our natural resources, is a priority,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that his Government welcomes public-private partnerships for the construction of additional educational infrastructure, including laboratories and computer science facilities.
All young people in rural and urban areas will be given opportunities and equipped with modern technologies and ICT-based skills to thrive.
Turning to the health sector, President Mnangagwa said: “Hutano hwevanhu hwakatikoshera sehurumende. Ticharamba tichivandudza zvipatara zvedu zvekumaruwa nekumadhorobha.
“SemadziMambo kurudzirai vanhu kumatunhu kwamuri, kuti vasarase kudya kwedu kwepasi chigare, uye kukosha kwemichero yedu, sevanhu vatema.”
President Mnangagwa also said the boreholes drilled under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme and the Village Business Units established to date, should continue to be the bedrock for improved nutrition and household income in every village.
“I count on you, our traditional leaders, to take a keen interest in the success of these projects,” said the President.
It is imperative that the traditional leadership and Government continue to be united, patriotic and focused, and always implement decisions, projects and programmes, pursuant to the attainment of Vision 2030, he added.
“Finally, allow me to express my profound gratitude to you all for the regular and fruitful interactions, which we continue to have as we collectively serve our motherland, Zimbabwe.
“May I also express my heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering and gallant support provided by the traditional leadership to my administration and our revolutionary mass party, ZANU PF.
“May I also take this opportunity to wish you and your families, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he said.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cabinet and provincial ministers were among those in attendance.
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