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Traditional leaders are not only the custodians of culture, but they are the embodiment of development and empowerment of their subjects, although they are often side-lined when it comes to development projects and resource allocations.
This was said by Senator Chief Nyangazonke (Vuyani Ndiweni) of Matobo district in Matabeleland South province in a recent interview with The Herald.
He said the current drought situation in the region can only be successfully addressed with the involvement of traditional leaders and all key stakeholders. The province has an estimated 900 000 cattle.
“We want to be involved as community leaders, we stay with the people, and we want Government, local authorities and their partners to focus more on community and economic development initiatives,” he said.
“We can’t be a people which relies on handouts only. This idea of being excluded at planning stage will not get us anywhere. “It is important to have traditional leaders at community meetings at all levels, so that we confront our issues successfully.
“Currently we are confronted with a devastating drought. We didn’t receive enough rains in this farming season. “There are literally no pastures to talk about and you will note that livestock production is a source of livelihood for many small scale farmers in this province”. He continued; “We can only succeed with all the role players involved”.
Senator Nyangazonke said it was prudent for Government to urgently look at introducing a livestock supplementary feeding scheme for cattle farmers. He said development and agro-based agencies, should consider bringing stock feed within the reach of the people.
“If we no longer have cattle, our future as a people is doomed considering that we fall under agriculture natural region five where crops don’t do well under normal rainfall patterns.
“In addition, the challenges which most people will face is mobilisation of resources and stock feeds for their cattle. The income levels differ from household to household.
“There are those with too many to sell and there are those with too little to sell. Some would feel if they dispose their cattle they will remain with nothing,” said the traditional leader.
Online Reporter