Chief Mtshane Khumalo advocates for traditional leaders’ role in achieving Vision 2030

CHIEF Mtshane Khumalo, President of the Chiefs Council has emphasised the critical role of the Chiefs Council in contributing to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.

He was addressing participants today at the local government strategic planning workshop in Bulawayo.

The Chiefs Council plays a vital role in Zimbabwe’s governance framework, serving as a bridge between traditional leadership and the Government.

As the nation aims to achieve Vision 2030—transforming into an upper middle-income economy—traditional leaders are increasingly recognized as essential partners in development efforts.

Chief Khumalo expressed enthusiasm about the ministry’s recent initiative to construct Chiefs Council offices—an aspiration that traditional leaders have advocated for over a decade. “This is a significant step forward for us,” he said, highlighting the long-awaited recognition of the chiefs’ contributions to governance and community leadership.

While celebrating this development, Chief Khumalo urged the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to extend its focus to constructing provincial offices for chiefs. He pointed out that some provinces have not held their statutory meetings for over a year due to insufficient funding. “We urge the government, through the ministry, to address this funding gap,” he said, stressing the importance of regular meetings for effective governance and community engagement.

Chief Khumalo’s remarks reflect a growing acknowledgement of the importance of traditional leadership in local governance and community development. The outcomes from this workshop are expected to foster collaboration between the Chiefs Council and the Ministry, enhancing service delivery and community empowerment across Zimbabwe.