Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
THE Government is committed to strengthening the role of traditional leaders as key partners in national development, recognising their pivotal role in shaping the country’s socio-economic transformation, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said.
Speaking during the installation of Chief Mapanzure in Zvishavane District on Wednesday, Minister Garwe said traditional leaders are critical catalysts of development, whose influence extends beyond cultural preservation.
“The appointment of Chief Mapanzure as a substantive chief is a reflection of the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, who values the role of traditional leaders. Traditional leaders are catalysts of development,” he said.
“As a Government, we have programmes lined up for our chiefs. These programmes will ensure they execute their duties well.”
Born Collen Chimhofu, Chief Mapanzure had served in an acting capacity for eight years before being formally confirmed in a ceremony marked by strong community support and calls for enhanced development in the area. As part of his conditions of service, he received an official vehicle.
His appointment was made by President Mnangagwa on November 7.
Minister Garwe said the installation was more than a ceremonial event, but a continuation of a historical institution that has anchored local governance for centuries.
“Traditional leaders such as Chief Mapanzure remain vital custodians of our cultural heritage, guardians of our social fabric and key partners in advancing development within our communities,” he said.
The minister also noted that the Mapanzure chieftainship is part of the lineage from which President Mnangagwa originates in the house of Maromo, son of Shumba Murambwi. Other houses within the chieftainship include Mahwebo, Muhliwa and Shonhayi — the latter being Chief Mapanzure’s house.
With a population of more than 10 000 people, the Mapanzure area covers wards three and six under the Runde Rural District Council. It hosts key social amenities and is a major chrome-producing zone.
Under the Second Republic, Minister Garwe said the Government has taken deliberate steps to ensure chiefs actively participate in the national development agenda, in line with the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This is not merely symbolic recognition, but a conscious effort to integrate traditional authority into modern governance,” he said.
“Traditional leaders must not only safeguard cultural values but also champion development in their communities by collaborating with all Government structures.”
Minister Garwe urged communities and traditional leaders to confront pressing social ills, particularly child marriages, which continue to rob girls of education, health and dignity.
“As chiefs, you play a vital role in shaping community norms. I urge you to lead by example, advocate against child marriages and promote education and gender equality,” he said.
National Chiefs’ Council deputy president, Chief Fortune Charumbira, also emphasised the traditional leaders’ role as custodians of culture and agents of development.
“Chiefs should remain the custodians of our culture. At the moment, the white community practices same sex marriage, which is taboo in our society,” he said. “The traditional courts are enshrined in the constitution and are critical in promoting justice and peaceful co-existence. We want to urge them to play their roles diligently and ensure development.”
Chief Mapanzure was born on November 5, 1973, in Hurungwe district. He is married to Rita Kuzengeza and is a father of seven. He attended Kebvunde Primary School, Charles Clark Secondary School, Sampakaruma Secondary School and Zengeza 2 High School.
A trained motor mechanic from Speciss College, he previously worked at Chadleigh Motors in Chinhoyi and is now a farmer and miner in Zvishavane.
