Uniformed forces, chiefs urged to co-operate

uniformed services and traditional leaders should be complementary to achie-ve development and prosperity.
Col Munava said this last weekend while addressing chiefs and headmen from Mashona-land Central province at Mase-mbura Primary School in Bindura during the provi-nce’s inaugural traditional leaders’ day.
The ZNA organised the event.
Col Munava said the success of any nation hinged on a vibrant traditional leadership sector coupled with a strong defence force.
“Issues of development are averse to situations of war and conflict. The defence forces are therefore there to provide the enabling environment by providing security and a peaceful environment,” he said.
Col Munava said the army valued working with traditional leaders.
He said the army recognises traditional leaders as the rallying point for development among communities in Zimbabwe.
“Chiefs and headmen are the entry points of Government to communities and by the same token, they provide advocacy on behalf of their people.
“Succinctly put, traditional leaders are critical actors for good governance in our country. As the army we will continue to complement efforts by chiefs, headmen and village heads and we will assist them in realising their functions,” he said.
He said the army and traditional leaders should strive to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty in line with their constitutional mandates despite the illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
Col Munava said chiefs and their headmen should effectively use their powers to protect Zimbabwe’s environment and preserve its natural resources.
“We are both custodians of the environment and natural resources that’s why we are saying you (chiefs) should work with law enforcement agents to protect what we have,” he said.
Chief Masembura said it was everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment.
“This is our heritage and we must protect it for future generations,” he said.
Chief Musana urged the army to resist any attempts by Zimbabwe’s detractors to undermine the country’s independence.
“The resilience demonstrated by our forefathers, brothers and sisters during the struggle for independence should act as an inspiration to us, ” he said.
The event was attended by hundreds of villagers, chiefs and headmen in the province.