Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
MATABELELAND South youth quota Member of Parliament, Tinashe Mushipe, has taken a practical step to connect tradition with modern technology by donating Starlink internet kits to chiefs in Beitbridge, while also committing to cover the subscription costs for the next 12 months.
The gesture is small in size but big in meaning, bringing digital access closer to traditional leadership in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The initiative is meant to strengthen communication between chiefs and the communities they serve, while also keeping traditional leaders informed about national and global developments.
It speaks directly to the President’s call of “leaving no one and no place behind”, recognising that development today must include digital access, even in rural spaces where connectivity has long been a challenge.
The Starlink kits were handed over at Chief Tshitaudze’s homestead in Malala by the MP’s father, Mr Tinashe Mushipe (Senior), together with the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.
The handover took place during an interface with traditional leaders from Beitbridge West last Sunday, creating a setting where elders gathered not just to receive equipment, but to discuss progress and development in their communities.
At present, Beitbridge has two recognised chieftaincies, with Chief Matibe presiding over the eastern area and Chief Tshitaudze over the western side.
Government is also working on reviving the Khwalu Chieftaincy in the south western part of the district. With these traditional institutions in place, improved internet access is expected to make communication easier, improve access to information and help coordinate development programmes more efficiently.
In an interview, Mushipe, who comes from Beitbridge, said chiefs play a central role in society, from guiding communities to mentoring young people and protecting cultural values. He explained that the programme would be implemented in phases and would later be extended to include headmen.
“We are taking this initiative from our President’s mantra of not leaving no one and no place behind. So, I saw it fit that we need our Chiefs to be equipped with Starlink kits. This will enable them to communicate with their communities efficiently and also be up to date with current affairs as our world is going digital.
“It also resonates well with our President’s mantra and you will note that Chiefs are an integral part of our society and as an appreciation to their hard work in mentoring us the youths and keeping our cultural and moral campus in place”.
He added that recognising the work done by traditional leaders was long overdue and that such support strengthens their ability to serve communities better. With the world increasingly relying on digital platforms, Cde Mushipe said it was important to support Government efforts to ensure internet coverage reaches both urban and remote rural areas.
He also urged other leaders and stakeholders to work closely with traditional leaders, saying chiefs remain key partners in rural development and community stability.
Beyond the Starlink donation, the legislator also announced a youth empowerment initiative aimed at skills development. He pledged to fully sponsor two young people from Beitbridge district to attend Guyu Vocational Training Centre, saying empowerment must also focus on giving the youth practical skills for the future.
During the handover, Minister Nguluvhe praised the initiative, describing it as a meaningful act of empowerment.
“We are witnessing a good gesture of goodwill and empowerment. The Starlink kits will bridge the digital divide, enabling our Chiefs to communicate effectively and access vital information. We thank Cde Mushipe for recognizing the pivotal role traditional leaders play in our society. This initiative embodies the spirit of ‘leaving no one behind”,” he said.
Chief Tshitaudze welcomed the donation, describing the Starlink kits as a major step forward for traditional leadership. He said chiefs had already begun embracing digital tools, and internet access had become a necessity rather than a luxury.
He added that the new equipment would help improve ICT development in communities, especially when leaders lead by example.
“We thank the Member of Parliament, Honourable Mushipe for thinking of us and recognizing our efforts in leading our communities. This gift will go a long way in enhancing our work,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
In Beitbridge, the donation signals a shift in how traditional leadership connects with the modern world. It shows that culture and technology do not have to clash, but can work together — allowing chiefs to remain rooted in tradition while staying connected to a fast changing world.
