Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE enduring partnership involving traditional leaders, the army and local communities has been hailed as a pillar of unity, peace and rural development in Mashonaland Central Province.
During Traditional Leaders Day celebrations held at Chief Bepura Shumba Chevaviri’s homestead, stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to building strong, resilient communities anchored on unity and cultural heritage.
In his address, Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Christopher Magomo said the collaboration between traditional leaders and the army remained a cornerstone of rural transformation.
He noted that the partnership, rooted in the liberation struggle, continued to drive community empowerment through infrastructure development, borehole drilling, electrification and construction of dignified homes for chiefs, such as that for Chief Bepura.
“The alliance between our traditional leaders and the army represents patriotism in action,” said Minister Magomo. “It reflects the spirit of self-reliance and collective responsibility that builds nations.”
Guest of Honour ZNA Chief of Staff Major General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi pledged the army’s continued support for community projects, saying rural development was as vital as national defence.
“Our focus is no longer only on defending the nation’s borders, but also on defending livelihoods,” he said. “Peacebuilding, stability, and local development are key elements of national security.”
He commended traditional leaders for their role in safeguarding culture, promoting food security through the Zunde raMambo programme, preventing child marriages and drug abuse and protecting the environment.
Chiefs worked closely with environmental agencies to curb illegal alluvial mining and riverbed degradation.
Chief Senate Matsiwo echoed the importance of collective effort, saying unity between the army, Government, and communities was essential for uplifting rural areas and preserving heritage for future generations.
Canterbury Mining complemented Government efforts by providing agricultural inputs and establishing an orchard of 200 mango trees for Chief Bepura as part of the Zunde raMambo fields in his area growing food for those in need.
The initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of climate resilience, food security, and reforestation under the mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, a nation is built by its own people.
Speaking during the handover of the orchard, Canterbury Mining company secretary Mr Samuel Rusike said the support ensured that chiefs’ granaries remained full, in line with the traditional expectation that a chief must always be able to feed visitors.
Although the mine operates in Shamva, Mr Rusike said it was their responsibility to ensure they support chiefs to re-green areas that had less mining activity.
“We recognise that our economy is agro-based, and traditional leaders are key to promoting food production and sustainability,” he said.
