tawandamusarurwa
Vusumuzi Dube
Bulawayo Bureau
TRADITIONAL leaders are a vital cog and a key institutional component, whose role in driving development through implementation of Government programmes and preserving national identity should be cherished, Preident Mnangagwa has said.
This is critical as the nation works towards realisation of Vision 2030.
The President made the remarks yesterday during the installation of Mr Dambisamahubo Mafu as Chief Maduna at Dekezi High School in Filabusi, Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province.
President Mnangagwa said it is through traditional leaders that Government is brought closer to communities, making it more accessible, responsive and accountable to the masses.
“Traditional leaders are a vital cog and key institutional component in development, as they nurture people-driven and grassroot innovations with regards to improving the quality of lives of the communities they preside over,” said the President.
“As we journey towards the realisation of Vision 2030, my Government is championing and promoting development programmes and projects that ensure no one and no place is left behind.
“I trust that Chief Maduna will provide motivation and the requisite guidance in the implementation of initiatives under the devolution and decentralisation programmes.
“The concerns of the community must always be advanced and their priority issues given due attention.”
The President urged Government, society and development agencies, as well as district councils, to work closely with traditional leaders in identifying and nurturing programmes that sustain people’s lives.
He said his Government will continue to be responsive to the needs of traditional leaders.
“Insiza district has great potential in livestock, crop farming and mining, among other sectors.
“I, therefore, urge the traditional leadership and communities to rally their efforts together to increase production and productivity among our people.
“On its part, my Government is rolling out projects to ensure that our natural resources benefit all the people of our country, in line with the devolution agenda that we are pursuing,” he said.
The President made a clarion call against drug and substance abuse, urging communities to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure preservation of customary laws.
“Alien practices, including crime, deviant behaviour, as well as drug and substance abuse are posing a threat to the moral fabric of our society,” said President Mnangagwa.
“To this end, communities, families, churches and schools are urged to be at the forefront in our quest for the restoration, preservation and protection of our social, cultural and moral fibre and regain the pride of our great country, Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa, who was presiding over the first ever chief’s installation by a Head of State, also explained his decision to officiate at the event. He said he was close to the late Chief Vezi Maduna, Chief Maduna’s predecessor, and their great grandfathers had worked together in King Mzilikazi’s court.
“The late Chief Maduna was a personal friend of mine, but our ties were historical in that my great grandfather, who was known in these areas as Bengo, worked with Chief Maduna’s great grandfather, hence to the newly installed Chief Maduna, I say he should regard me as his father and I will guide him.
“Chief Maduna’s rich background and wealth of experience will undoubtedly see him quickly acquaint to our national Constitution, Traditional Leaders Act and Rural District Councils Act, as some of the source documents which impact on the duties and roles of traditional leaders,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa further commended the Maduna clan for their efficiency in identifying a successor to the late Chief Maduna.
“Today, we honour and pay tribute to the late Chief Vezi Maduna, who passed on, on February 13, 2021, for his consistency and persistence in the fight against colonial rule to bring about dignity and Independence for our people. The late Chief’s eldest son was appointed acting chief.
“In keeping with their succession culture and tradition, the family selected Dambisamahubo Mafu to be substantive Chief Maduna on January 23, 2022.
“I commend you (the family) for the smooth and swift manner with which you handled this matter,” said President Mnangagwa.
Speaking during the same event, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, said: “President Mnangagwa respects the institution of traditional leadership as it nurtured him to appreciate the concept of peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness.
“He understood the empirical relationship between him and the land of his birth from quite a young tender age.
“His great-grandfather Bengo, as a youngster, worked in the homestead of King Mzilikazi.
“As he grew up, he joined King Lobengula’s Imbizo regiment, under the command of General Mtshane Khumalo, who gallantly fought and defeated Allan Wilson’s patrol at the battle of Pupu.”
VP Chiwenga said President Mnangagwa took after his great-grandfather when he joined thousands of other youthful Zimbabweans to fight against the occupying colonial regime.
“President Mnangagwa, therefore, belongs to the dominion of Chiefs and fighters, he himself by virtue of his birthright is Chief Mapanzure.
“As a nation we continue to be humbled by the consistent respect that he accords our traditional leaders as custodians of our culture, national harmony and social cohesion.”
The ceremony was also attended by ZANU PF Vice President Cde Kembo Mohadi, Local Government Minister Cde July Moyo and Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.
Also in attendance were Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, ZANU PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu, president of the Chiefs Council Chief Fortune Charumbira, his deputy Chief Mtshana Khumalo, among other traditional leaders and senior Government officials.
Online Reporter