malvernmugadzikwa
Columbus Mabika
TRADITIONAL LEADERS should take a leading role in safeguarding the gains of the liberation struggle to foster national development, a senior military officer has said.
Speaking at a traditional leaders’ day hosted by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) at Chief Nyajina homestead in Uzumba district yesterday, ZNA Chief of Staff, Administration Staff, Major-General Emmanuel Matatu said traditional leaders play a vital role in the country’s development and safeguarding the gains of independence.
“As traditional leadership, you have a bigger role in safeguarding what we fought for during the liberation struggle in the quest to move our nation forward,” he said.
“As a people’s force, we will continue to engage and work with chiefs and traditional leaders in the quest to develop our God-given motherland.
“Chiefs facilitate development by ensuring the implementation of service delivery and development strategies earmarked for communities by the Government.”
The ZNA engages chiefs throughout the country’s provinces annually to deliberate on various issues, particularly development-oriented matters.
Major-General Matatu said chiefs are playing an integral role in upholding the cultural values of communities.
The army, he added, remains grateful to traditional leaders for availing their areas of jurisdiction for training purposes.
He said the ZNA, through its Constitutional mandate of aiding civil communities during peacetime, will not hesitate to provide skilled manpower and construction artisans for any duties that chiefs might want to undertake.
“If ever you have construction projects, gather all requisite materials and approach your nearest army establishment and we will provide you with skilled artisans to do your work,” he said.
Turning to national security, he said the ZNA, together with other sister security agencies, will remain alert to any possible threats to ensure a conducive environment safe for development and investment.
Commander ZNA Two Infantry Brigade Brigadier-General Charles Mashava, whose formation organised the day, called on chiefs to take a leading role in the fight against vices affecting their communities.
“Today our societies are crippled by many issues that have killed prospects of many young lives.
“As traditional leaders, you have a role to ensure that there is an end to drug and substance abuse in your areas. As the army, we will always help you,” he said.
The host, Chief Tonderai Nyajina, said: “We would like to thank the army for working for the people in our communities.
“In recent years, several projects have been undertaken in this province by the ZNA.”
Online Reporter