Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has donated 51 smartphones to traditional leaders in Matabeleland North Province in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots leadership through modern communication tools and improving service delivery at community level.
The smartphones are expected to enhance real-time communication, particularly during emergencies, enabling traditional leaders to swiftly relay information on disasters, security issues and community needs to relevant Government structures.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo yesterday handed over 22 smartphones to headmen from three districts during a brief ceremony held at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo.
The devices form part of a broader consignment of 51 smartphones earmarked for traditional leaders across the province under an initiative supported by President Mnangagwa to improve coordination between traditional leadership and Government institutions.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Minister Moyo said the donation reflected President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This gesture shows the President’s commitment to working closely with traditional leaders. As headmen, you are the critical link between chiefs, communities and Government structures, and effective communication is essential for you to carry out your duties,” he said.
Minister Moyo said the President had last year donated mobile phones to chiefs during the annual Chiefs’ Conference at the Harare Agricultural Showgrounds and had pledged to extend the same support to headmen.
“With these smartphones, it will now be easier to organise community meetings and quickly alert relevant authorities to developments within your areas,” he said.
The minister urged the headmen to use the gadgets responsibly, particularly as the country is receiving normal to above-normal rains, which, while beneficial to agriculture, may also result in infrastructure damage and loss of life.
“In the event of disasters, ensure information reaches Civil Protection Unit officials promptly. If villagers lose crops due to waterlogging or other challenges, engage Agritex officers or officials from my office so that assistance can be provided,” said Minister Moyo.
One of the beneficiaries, Headman Khumalo from Ntabazinduna in Umguza District, said the smartphones would greatly improve communication with village heads and residents.
“Calling community meetings and reporting criminal activities will now be quicker and easier. Sometimes criminals are seen roaming our villages, but accessing a police station can be difficult,” he said.
“Now, reporting such cases will be much easier.”
Another beneficiary, Headman Mazibiza from Tsholotsho District, hailed the President for the gesture, saying it demonstrated his commitment to inclusive development.
“We are deeply grateful to President Mnangagwa for this support. These phones will help us access Government offices more easily and effectively relay Government programmes to our communities,” he said.
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