Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
MIDLANDS Province last week commemorated Traditional Leaders’ Day with a vibrant celebration at Chief Chireya’s homestead in Gokwe North, spotlighting the vital role traditional leaders play in preserving culture.
Supported by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), the event also featured the distribution of farming inputs under the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi initiative, an important programme that promotes food security while encouraging communalism.
Hundreds gathered at Chief Chireya’s homestead to honour traditional leaders for preserving cultural heritage, fostering unity and driving progress within local communities.
Chairperson of the Midlands Provincial Chiefs Council, Chief Ngungumbane of Mberengwa District, who was the guest of honour, emphasised that the event underscored the significance of traditional leadership in advancing community cohesion and development.
“We are encouraged by the continued support that our programmes receive from the military establishment.
“The Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi scheme is vital as it enables us to feed our communities. When people are fed, they become productive — and this is what contributes to nation building,” he said.
Chief Chireya emphasised that the Government-driven Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi initiative is a testament to the innovative approaches being implemented to strengthen food security and community solidarity.
“This serves as a reminder of the vital role played by traditional leaders in shaping the cultural, social and economic fabric of our communities. It’s a tribute to their dedication and commitment to promoting unity, progress and development,” he said.
Chief Chireya added that the initiative enhances the capacity of chiefs to serve their communities effectively.
“The programme helps us alleviate the plight of our subjects in times of need.
“When people face challenges, they naturally turn to their village heads and chiefs.
“Such programmes allow us to intervene when problems arise.
“By receiving inputs early, our subjects can assist us in tilling the land before attending to their own fields, in line with tradition,” he said.
The military establishment, which collaborated with traditional leaders to mark the occasion, stressed the importance of empowering traditional leaders to facilitate meaningful development.
ZNA Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff, Major-General Simo Maseko, described traditional chiefs as custodians of both heritage and progress.
“We are proud to be part of Traditional Leaders’ Day. Historically, chiefs commanded armies — and today, we say you are our chiefs.
“You care for the vulnerable, ensure fair distribution of resources, resolve conflicts and uphold peace. You shape society,” he said.
Maj-Gen Maseko added that the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi concept remains a deeply valued tradition that fosters community cohesion and sustains food supplies during times of need.
“By distributing farming inputs, the initiative aims to support local communities and enhance their resilience in the face of challenges,” he said.
