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Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
Traditional leaders have joined the long-growing band of stakeholders calling for the unconditional removal of sanctions imposed on the country by the West and its allies .
This came as the country yesterday marked this year’s Anti-Sanctions commemorations.
Zimbabwe was placed under sanctions by the West in the year 2001 after it embarked on the Land Reform Programme to distribute land owned by minority white people to the black majority.
Zimbabweans had taken up arms to fight colonial settlers over land which resulted in independence in 1980.
Speaking during a Chiefs Day held at Chief Ngezi’s homestead in Ngezi organised by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Mechanised Brigade, several Chiefs expressed discontent over sanctions saying they had made life difficult for them, their subjects and the nation at large.
The Chiefs Day was held under the theme: “Zimbabwe National Army promoting and enhancing collaboration among traditional leaders, military and cooperate world in fostering cultural knowledge, heritage and military etiquette.”
Host Chief, Mr Peter Pasipamire, called the nation to be united in the fight against sanctions.
“We have unitedly fought wars and conquered to obtain the independence and sovereignty we enjoy today.
“Today we have another war against sanctions, together as Zimbabweans, we will fight and conquer,” he said.
“Sanctions have been detrimental to the development of this nation.
“Every progressive-minded Zimbabwean should stand and get involved in this war we face today.”
Chief Chirau, Mr Charles Chabvutamoto, said the country is lagging behind in development by two decades due to sanctions.
“Look at the economic gap these sanctions have caused over the two decades plus they have been in existence.
“It is now good that the region, continent and world have now realised how cruel the West is.
“The suffering that the sanctions have brought can not be quantified. This is how sad the scenario is,” he said.
Further, he said, traditional leaders welcomed various projects by the army which are defying sanctions.
“We would like to thank the ZNA for its work for the people in our communities. “In recent years several projects have been undertaken in this province by the ZNA, and this is just enough to testify their work.
“Today they continue to build us several clinics among other infrastructure projects across this country,” he said.
A Ugandan national, Mr Eric Niyonsaba, whose company is making beverages in the country and donated agriculture inputs, said sanctions had sabotaged the country’s economic pathway.
He concurred with traditional leaders that with a united front, sanctions would be defeated.
Zimbabwe National Army(ZNA) Chief of Staff General Staff, Major General Kasirai Tazira said traditional leaders are a vital component in all spheres of Zimbabwe’s development adding that it was a blessing the day had coincided with the Anti-Sanctions days which are commemorated throughout the region.
“We have always come to traditional leaders to discuss various areas of development.
“It is a blessing that this day has coincided with the Anti-Sanctions Day which is commemorated throughout the region.
“Let me remind you that sanctions remain an enemy to the quest for Zimbabwe’s development,” he said.
“As traditional leadership, you have a bigger role in safeguarding what we fought for during the Liberation Struggle in the quest to move our nation forward.
“Chiefs fought First Chimurenga wars and conquered and this is where the relationship between the army and chiefs began,” he said.
He said the army remains committed to working with Chiefs to develop the nation.
“We will continue to engage and work with chiefs and traditional leaders in the quest to develop our God-given motherland.
“Chiefs facilitate development by ensuring implementation of service delivery and development strategies earmarked for communities by the Government,” he said.
Major General Tazira said chiefs have played an integral role in promoting and upholding the cultural values of communities and promoting family values.
Major General Tazira said the army remains grateful to traditional leaders for availing their areas of jurisdiction for training purposes.
He said the ZNA through its constitutional mandate of aiding civil communities during peacetime will not hesitate to provide skilled manpower and construction artisans for any projects that chiefs want fulfilled.
“If ever you have projects that you want to be constructed, gather all requisite materials and approach your nearest army establishment and we will provide with skilled artisans to do your work,” he said.
Turning to national security, he said the ZNA together with other sister security agencies will remain alert to any possible threats to ensure a conducive environment safe for development and investment. Commander ZNA Mechanised Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Josphat Kudumba called on chiefs to take a leading role in the fight against vices affecting their communities.
“Today our societies are crippled by many issues that have killed prospects of many young lives.
“Traditional leaders have a role to ensure that there is an end to drug and substance abuse in your areas. As the army will always help you,” he said.
He said the army will continue to ensure that the needs of chiefs are met.
The ZNA annually, in all the country’s ten provinces, engages people on specific days to discuss various developmental aspects.
In other jurisdictions, the army also engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives that include building classroom blocks, clinics and handing them over to various communities.
In these initiatives, thousands of people have also received free medical treatment for various ailments from ZNA medical staff and physicians.
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