Chiefs hail GNU demise

Harare Bureau
CHIEFS have hailed the demise of the inclusive Government that brought Zanu-PF and MDC formations together five years ago, saying it perpetuated their suffering as they failed to effectively discharge their duties. They said they were now relieved that the coalition formed in 2008 was coming to an end on 31 July.

Mashonaland Central Chief Mutomba, (Mandaza Marufu) said the inclusive Government neglected the welfare of chiefs resulting in them failing to effectively discharge their duties.

He said before the inclusive government chiefs were getting allowances together with their headmen and messengers on time but this had not been the case after the coalition.

Chiefs, he said, were no longer getting their allowances regularly.
“We have not received our allowances for the past three months. Before the inclusive Government everything was normal but now we have seen the bad side of the other party,” said Chief Mutomba.

“We hope the inclusive Government will not come back so that we have an efficient Government that has respect for chiefs. Government should acknowledge the duties and roles of chiefs and accord them the respect they deserve.”

Another chief from the Mashonaland Central, Chief Clemence Nembire said some chiefs were having problems travelling while on duty as they did not have transport while others said the cars allocated to them were not suitable for their terrain.

“We would want chiefs to be mobile. Some of the chiefs rely on public transport. We have to get our allowances and those of the village heads and their messengers on time for effective discharge of duties,” said Chief Nembire.

The chiefs urged Zimbabweans to vote peacefully during the harmonised elections and elect leaders who had people at  heart.
The inclusive Government was formed in 2008 and was  supposed to last for 18 months. It, however, extended to four  years.