adminFarirai Machivenyika in Gweru
THE annual chiefs’ conference that began in Gweru yesterday will be held in a celebratory mood following Zanu-PF’s resounding victory in last year’s harmonised elections and President Mugabe’s assumption of the chairmanship of Sadc and the AU deputy chair. The conference began with the accreditation of chiefs and their spouses.
Speaking in an interview, president of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira, said the conference offered an opportunity for traditional leaders to learn more about Zim-Asset.
“The conference is being held in a celebratory mood in that the last time we met was in March 2013, just three months before the elections and we had the inclusive Government with all its challenges,” he said.
“So, we are now celebrating that we no longer have the inclusive Government and Government can now move ahead without the characteristic challenges and retrogressive tendencies of the inclusive Government.
“We are also celebrating President Mugabe’s appointment as Sadc chairman following our successful hosting of the Sadc Summit last month.”
Chief Charumbira said that the conference offered an opportunity for the State to interact with traditional leaders.
“We are also going to interact with the State and get to know its programmes, especially Zim-Asset and the role traditional leaders can play in its implementation,” he said.
President Mugabe is expected to officially open the conference today.
Online Reporter