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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu-sukulwenkosi. [email protected]
CHIEFS have been urged to be hands-on in the implementation of development projects within their areas of jurisdiction as they have a critical role to play in enhancing the Government’s development agenda.
In a speech read on his behalf by Matabeleland South provincial chiefs chairperson, Chief Tshitaudze during the burial ceremony of the late Chief Marupi in Gwanda recently, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said there is a need for stakeholders to understand the role of chiefs so they can be given due recognition.
He said chiefs have to work hand in hand with Government departments, local authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations involved in developmental activities.
“Government greatly respects and attaches great importance to the institution of chiefs, not only as custodians of our traditional and cultural values but also as influential development actors. In other words, the Government expects and encourages chiefs to participate actively and meaningfully in the country’s development in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
“Chiefs are also entrusted with the duty of supervising and monitoring headmen and village heads in their areas of jurisdiction. The chief is again responsible for ensuring that the land and its natural resources are used and exploited in accordance with acceptable laws that ensure resource sustainability. They also ensure that all public properties are not damaged, destroyed or misused by the community. Furthermore, chiefs are in office to adjudicate and resolve disputes relating to land in their areas of control. They also assist development committees in all matters relating to planning and implementation of local development programmes,” he said.
Minister Garwe urged chiefs to ensure that they exercise their authority in line with the Traditional Leaders Act.
He said the Government through various Ministries and developmental partners has made commendable strides in service delivery across various sectors. He said traditional leaders have played a role in the implementation of these projects.
These include the construction of clinics, and schools, improvement of water and sanitation services, and improvement of road networks.
In a speech read on her behalf during the same event by Matabeleland South provincial acting director of Local Government Services, Mr Zachariah Jusah, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said for chiefs to effectively carry out their duties there is need for support from community members and other community leaders.
She said Government Ministries, institutions and developmental partners also have to recognise chiefs and not override their authority.
Dr Ndlovu said there is a need to understand that there are no development initiatives that can be implemented in communities without the input of chiefs.
“Traditional leaders have various roles and responsibilities key among them is the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage. Another is the initiation of development programmes and projects in their communities as spelt out in the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 27:19) and the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The chiefs in the face of the El Nino-induced drought have been playing a crucial role in supporting Government programmes aimed at cushioning communities against the effects of the drought such as the food deficiency mitigation programme,” she said.
Dr Ndlovu said the Second Republic remains committed to resourcing and equipping chiefs so that they can be able to carry out their duties.
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