adminVictor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has received praise from traditional chiefs for the soldiers’ commitment to safeguarding and promoting the nation’s cultural values and their dedication to preserve peace in Zimbabwe.
In his remarks during the Mashonaland East Traditional Leaders Day held at Chief Chikwaka’s home in Goromonzi district on Monday, chairperson of the Mashonaland East Chiefs Council Senator Chief Nechombo commended the work being done by the army for the nation and also taking upon itself to play a role in preserving cultural values.
Annually, the army and traditional leaders interact to discuss various issues of national importance.
“This function is being held under the theme, ‘To cultivate a sense of togetherness and give value to chiefs in Mashonaland East Province’.
“If you are giving value to chiefs, we are saying you have given value to cultural values of this nation. As traditional chiefs, we are humbled by that gesture and the duties you carry in our society and the nation at large.
“We are happy as traditional chiefs because of today’s programme because it is a programme which unites us and the army which means even in society we work in unity.
“This interaction which we do annually is good for us as traditional chiefs where we discuss issues with the army.
“We value this interaction for it brings a lot of benefits which include some agricultural inputs for Zunde raMambo (a traditional programme to help the disadvantaged) so it is a programme which we value and remain expectant for it, each year, because of it’s value to us.
“We want to thank the Zimbabwe National Army for the good work that you are doing, not for Mashonaland East Province alone but for the entire nation. However, in Mashonaland East, you have built a lot of health institutions and a lot of schools,” Chief Nechombo said.
“There is a lot that you are doing for this province including on road rehabilitation.
“Also, we have seen you assisting in the Covid-19 vaccination exercise and some of us are vaccinated now because of your contributions. We want to thank you, our army for that.
“Let me take this opportunity to explain the way we are dressing today with some regalia printed ‘Mvura Naya Naya’, this is our prayer to ask for more rains and we are happy that our prayer is being answered. This prayer is being done by selected chiefs working with the Government and those whom we share our vision with. A vision of upholding and safeguarding our cultural norms and values. We must preserve and promote our culture.
“So we are happy that you as the army are here to join us in safeguarding and promoting our culture. We are happy for your support.
In his remarks, ZNA Chief of Staff General Staff Major General Kasirai Tazira said traditional leaders are the pillars of cultural values.
“You are the pillars of our cultural values and ethos and the back borne of nationhood. Traditional leaders are a vital component of Government and are recognised in the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”
Online Reporter