Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
TRADITIONAL chiefs play a vital role in the Government’s implementation of disaster management and other relief programmes.
Addressing the National Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy meeting in Bulawayo recently, acting Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo, said:
“Chiefs are the custodians of our cultural heritage…As Government, we recognise the supremacy of our chiefs.
“Whatever disasters that befall our nation need to be dealt with in a manner that does not go against our peoples’ values and norms.”
In instances of natural disasters, for example, Minister Moyo said chiefs have a statutory mandate to call for village assembly meetings, where they can assess and determine the type of assistance required by each household.
Representing the traditional leaders, Chief Chundu (Abel Mbasera) said:
“We are happy that the Government always engages us whenever they want to roll out any programme.”
The National Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy follows the release of the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC), which recommends Government’s food deficit mitigation assistance.
Online Reporter