Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
CHIEFS continue to play a pivotal role in communities through continuous preservation of culture and tradition, and they should be commended for that, Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff General Staff, Major General Augustine Chipwere, has said.
Major General Chipwere made the remarks while officiating during the Traditional Leaders Day commemorations held at Chief Nyoka’s residence in Chikomba district recently.
Facilitated by ZNA, the Traditional Leaders Day is commemorated annually to celebrate the symbiotic relations between members of the uniformed forces and traditional leaders.
“Chiefs have remained an integral part of the Government since time immemorial. They are custodians of our culture and the roots of our traditions,” he said.
“It is also important for the relations between the Zimbabwe National Army and Chiefs to remain strong and cordial. The relationship between the army and Chiefs dates back to the first, second and third liberation war era. These episodes had the blessings of the
Chiefs.
“It remains the Chiefs’ mandate to give direction to communities. Chiefs also play a crucial role in uniting the people under the areas of their jurisdiction.”
Major General Chipwere said Chiefs should be applauded for their commitment to preserving culture.
He appealed to traditional leaders to also take an active role in the preservation of the environment.
Major General Chipwere also urged traditional leaders to immediately start preparing their fields for the 2025-2026 agriculture season.
He challenged traditional leaders to also join the fight against drug and substance abuse in their communities.
“Zimbabwe is facing a serious challenge of drug and substance abuse. Common illicit drugs and substances include crystal meth, boncleer, dagga and cocaine,” he said.
“These are destroying our people’s internal organs, which include the liver as well as the heart.
“Therefore, I appeal to our traditional leaders to educate communities on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and to urge people to desist from such practices.”
He also said the army will continue to work closely with traditional leaders on issues of infrastructure development.
Traditional leaders were later given grocery hampers as well as farming inputs. The commemorations were marked with various activities, including entertainment from the army arts group.
