Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in Karambazungu, Hurungwe
TRADITIONAL leaders have commended Government and the people of Zimbabwe for helping restore the dignity of chiefs through various empowerment initiatives.
Government has spearheaded legislative and empowerment programmes that have materially changed the fortunes of traditional leaders and propped up their standing in society.
Speaking at the installation of Ben Chipanda as the 18th Chief Nematombo at Karambazungu High School in Hurungwe on Friday, traditional leaders from Mashonaland West hailed Government and the people of Zimbabwe for overwhelmingly endorsing the 2013 National Constitution.
The governing charter has special provisions guaranteeing and upholding the dignity of traditional leaders.
President of the National Chiefs Council Chief Mtshane Khumalo hailed the adoption of the Constitution in 2013 as being instrumental in restoring the dignity of traditional leaders.
“I would like to acknowledge the overwhelming support for the inclusion of sections in the Constitution, which recognise the centrality of traditional leaders in the country,” he said.
“The institution of traditional leaders has received deserving recognition and elevation that commands respect in the community.”
Guest of honour and Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo led the installation rites that formalise the start of his traditional duties after a traditional selection process.
Minister Chombo said Government had demonstrated that it valued the role of traditional leaders in communities and was prepared to improve their lives.
“This gathering is a demonstration of Government’s commitment to the welfare and proper operations of traditional leaders as custodians of our culture,” said Minister Chombo.
“Zimbabwe is one of the countries in Africa that respects the office of traditional leaders. Our President and his Government value the custodians of our culture and land, which is our heritage.”
She said the position of traditional leaders was guaranteed in the Constitution and Government was looking forward to working with traditional leaders to drive development in communities.
“As Government, we are working with councils and traditional leaders on various development programmes to uplift communities,” she said.
“Traditional leaders have a key role to play in advancing the Devolution agenda, which seeks to give communities greater say in development. This ensures no part of the community is left behind.”
Minister Chombo was standing in for Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Daniel Garwe.
Chief Nematombo received articles of the office of a chief, including the purple and red robe, a staff and insignia.
He also received a vehicle and a cellphone as part of the perks from Government.
He thanked the people in his area for giving him the chance to lead them and Government for formalising his selection.
“I am thankful to Government for honouring traditional leaders and the people of Hurungwe for believing in me. As leaders, we want to work with Government to foster development,” he said.
Chief Ngezi, who is chairman of the Mashonaland West Provincial Chiefs Council, hailed Government for attending to the welfare of traditional leaders and giving the office dignity.
The ceremony was graced by other chiefs, including Ngezi, Dandawa, Chundu, Chanetsa and Chirau.
Born in 1959, Chief Nematombo joined the liberation struggle in 1977 and worked as a bus driver after Independence before participating in the land reform programme.
