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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Traditional leaders in the Midlands Province have hailed Government for devolution and pledged support and readiness to play a key role in the successful implementation of the concept.
In an interview on the side-lines of the commemoration of the Traditional Leaders Day at 5 Infantry Brigade on Friday, Midlands Chief’s Council chairperson Chief Nkwananzi Zama Ngungumbane, said traditional leaders were ready to complement Government efforts in the implementation of devolution.
“As Midlands traditional leaders, we are ready to play our part in the implementation of devolution. The concept, if you go back to history was started by traditional leaders where kings would transfer powers to village heads and headmen. So, in actual fact, we are happy that power is being brought back to us,” said Chief Ngungumbane.
He said traditional leaders play a key role as they were the permanent custodians of people, natural resources as well as flora and fauna.
“We are the real custodians of natural resources which are in abundance in Midlands. We are permanent custodians of the people as councillors and legislators come and go, so we play a crucial role as we are involved in any economic activity not only in the province but the nation.”
He said going forward, the Government should ensure food security through the revival of the Zunde Ramambo concept.
“We are appealing to the Government to start funding the Zunde Ramambo concept as it goes a long way in safeguarding food security, a major role of a traditional leader in the devolution. We should also ensure economic security through the protection of our natural resources and ensure that they benefit the province first,” said Chief Ngungumbane.
In his speech, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima said Government will continue working hand-in-hand with the traditional leaders.
“As we chart the path towards devolution of Government, one of your roles as chiefs is to lead communities to identify their needs in preparation for the development of our provincial master plans,” said Minister Mavima.
About 40 chiefs gathered at the annual event where they received farming inputs courtesy of various seed and fertiliser suppliers.
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