Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
FROM settling disputes and preserving cultural traditions to maintaining peace and driving development, traditional leaders continue to wield significant influence in shaping the fabric of Zimbabwean communities.
Their enduring role came into sharp focus during the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)’s Traditional Leaders Day held at Chief Nhema’s homestead in Shurugwi, where chiefs were celebrated as key pillars of national unity, cultural preservation and social cohesion.
The annual event honours traditional leaders as custodians of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, while strengthening civil-military relations forged during the liberation struggle and promoting collaboration in rural development.
The traditional leaders also received resources to strengthen the Zunde Ramambo initiative, reinforcing community-based efforts to improve food security.
Chairperson of the Midlands Provincial Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Alison Ngungumbane, said co-operation between traditional leaders and institutions such as the army was important in fostering unity.
“Our role as traditional leaders is to unite the people, decentralising to people to understand that working with the army we are one people,” he said.
Chief Ngungumbane said traditional leaders remain influential in shaping community life, with their local structures helping promote harmony, a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.
Chief Nhema said he was honoured that ZNA had chosen his homestead for the hosting of the important day.
“I am very happy that the day is being held in my area, at my homestead. It’s good to see our people gathered here to see senior military officials present. They also brought food hampers, groceries, and agricultural inputs to local chiefs,” he said.
Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander, 5 Infantry Brigade ZNA Brigadier General Lawrence Munzararikwa said traditional leaders have a role to play in national development and addressing security threats, including hunger.
“They are not only there to unite people, but the other issue is also to contribute towards national development while countering security threats, including hunger. As a country, we want to ensure 2030 earlier if we all put all hands on deck,” he said.w
The ZNA also recognised the contribution of traditional leaders to social stability and national security amid changing global dynamics.
ZNA Chief of Staff Quartermaster Major-General Simo Maseko said traditional leadership remained an important institution in promoting peaceful communities and preserving cultural values.
He said the day celebrates the symbiotic and historical relationship between the military and traditional leaders, who provided physical and spiritual guidance during the liberation war.
“Chiefs ensure we have a healthy nation, including the aspect of having traditional foods as promoted by our First Lady,” he said.
Major Gen Maseko added that traditional leadership is an institution that embodies Unhu/Ubuntu through chiefs’ courts that ensure that people settle differences peacefully and hence the need for them to be supported.
“They are the foundation in which our society is anchored. The governance of the country is centred on our traditional leadership,” he said.
Community members said the traditional leaders are the glue that holds this community together for peace and prosperity in communities.
“When disputes arise, traditional courts help us resolve them peacefully, preserving relationships and keeping families united. Development requires peace and cooperation. Through their guidance, chiefs help communities work together and support Government programmes,” said Mr Maxwell Sibanda.
