Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT has commended traditional leaders in Manicaland for strengthening constitutional governance and community development, urging them to remain at the forefront of implementing national programmes.
Speaking during the ongoing Manicaland Provincial Assembly of Chiefs in Mutare, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, whose speech was read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Albert Mavunga,praised chiefs for their role in promoting peace, preserving cultural values and supporting Government initiatives.
Minister Garwe said the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, established under Section 35 of the Traditional Leaders Act, remains an important platform for addressing issues affecting traditional leadership and fostering cooperation between Government and chiefs.
Some of the chiefs in attendanceHe also applauded chiefs for ensuring peaceful Constitutional Amendment public outreach consultations and for supporting the First Lady’s _Not in My Village_ campaign against child marriages, gender-based violence, and drug and substance abuse.
“I urge you to continue supporting Government programmes in agriculture, food security, environmental conservation, education, public health and disaster risk management, as traditional leaders remain Government’s most trusted partners at community level,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the province continued to rely on chiefs to promote peace, unity and inclusive development in line with Vision 2030.
President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Lucas Mtshane Khumalo, encouraged chiefs to uphold integrity, resolve traditional leadership disputes amicably and work closely with Government to improve the welfare of their communities.
“United traditional leadership is critical to preserving Zimbabwe’s heritage while accelerating rural development,” he said.
