Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
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 pamwechete,” he said.
“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, the President said, were vital cogs in facilitating development planning and the implementation of projects at village and ward levels.
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 regards 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 enterprise, among other projects.
“This positive culture of cooperation 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 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, 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 of 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.
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