adminSpeaking at the ongoing Zanu-PF 12th National Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo, Chief Charumbira said chiefs as custodians of culture were against homosexuality.
“As chiefs, we say that lesbianism and being gay is against our culture. We were shocked when we heard that one of the leaders in the country said the rights of these people should be protected,” said Chief Charumbira.
He said traditional leaders would always support the leadership of President Mugabe because the principles of his party, Zanu-PF, were deeply rooted in the culture and roots of the Zimbabwean people.
“Zanu-PF is a party that is a product of the culture of Zimbabwe. Even its programmes in Parliament converge nicely with the cultural expectations of the nation,” he said.
The chief lamented the loss of respect for traditional leaders and the erosion of culture, which he said led to immorality that included gay unions.
President Mugabe has on numerous occasions stated that Zimbabwe would never accept or allow gay relationships.
He has often said those who indulge in homosexuality are worse than pigs and dogs.
The British Prime Minister, David Cameron recently issued a statement saying Britain would withhold aid from countries that did not embrace the gay culture.
The leader of the MDC-T, Morgan Tsvangirai, on the other hand, has called for the protection and respect of gay rights in the country.
Turning to the economy, Chief Charumbira thanked President Mugabe for implementing programmes that restored the dignity of the people of Zimbabwe and chiefs.
“The land empowerment programme and the recently launched Community Share Ownership Scheme/Trust are all admirable programmes under the leadership of President Mugabe,” said Chief Charumbira.
He urged leaders to work with traditional leaders in schemes that empower citizens, saying such co-operation would ensure the success of the projects.
“Provinces that work with chiefs are always the best when it comes to implementation of empowerment programmes. Look at Mashonaland East, it is arguably the best province because the leadership there work closely with traditional leaders. Those that shun their traditional leaders are performing dismally in many fronts,” he said.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter