Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has called for stronger cooperation with traditional leaders to preserve the country’s cultural heritage, protect natural resources and tackle social challenges threatening young people.
Speaking at the 2026 Matabeleland South Traditional Leaders’ Day held at Chief Sangulube’s area in Mangwe District on Tuesday, ZNA Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff Major-General Simo
Maseko said traditional institutions were important partners in promoting national security, community development and social cohesion.
Held under the theme, “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage for Nation Building towards Sustainable Development,” the event brought together traditional leaders, Government officials and military representatives to discuss ways of strengthening community development and safeguarding Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.
Maj-Gen Maseko said traditional customs, indigenous knowledge systems and community values remained essential to nation-building, warning that globalisation and technological advancement could weaken cultural identity if communities failed to preserve their heritage.
“This theme reminds us that our cultural heritage is a vital foundation upon which we must build our future. As a nation, we must continue to draw wisdom from our customs, traditions and indigenous knowledge systems, harnessing them to promote social cohesion, moral uprightness and sustainable development,” he said.
Maj-Gen Maseko said traditional leaders played a crucial role in resolving disputes, maintaining peace and strengthening relationships within communities.
He commended traditional courts for promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, saying their purpose was to restore harmony rather than focus solely on punishment.
“The chiefs’ courts are not meant to punish but to make the community live in harmony,” said Maj-Gen Maseko.
He urged traditional leaders to exercise their authority responsibly, particularly in land allocation and the conservation of natural resources.
With livestock production a key economic activity in Matabeleland South, Maj-Gen Maseko also called on communities to guard against veld fires, which threaten grazing land and livelihoods.
He said land was a vital national resource and a symbol of the sacrifices made during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, adding that traditional leaders had played an important role in supporting the liberation fighters.
“As one of the liberation struggle fighters myself, I can testify that your guidance and inspiration gave us the willpower to defeat the enemy,” said Maj-Gen Maseko.
He said the ZNA was ready to support initiatives aimed at empowering young people and assisting vulnerable communities, emphasising that the military’s responsibilities extended beyond defending the country to contributing to national development.
In Matabeleland South, the defence forces have constructed a cultural centre at Maphisa, classroom blocks at Shashane High School and Kezi Primary School and assisted in the development of Maphisa Stadium.
Construction is also under way at Whunga Clinic in Beitbridge District and on a classroom block at Watershed Primary School in Bulilima District. Both projects were reported to be 90 percent complete.
Maj-Gen Maseko also emphasised the importance of preserving traditional foods, saying indigenous cuisine represented the knowledge and identity of communities and helped connect younger generations to their cultural roots.
“Our traditional foods embody our identity, reflect the wisdom of our forefathers and connect present generations to their roots,” he said.
Maj-Gen Maseko further highlighted initiatives to strengthen food security through the provision of seeds and fertilisers under the Isiphala SeNkosi concept, which is intended to assist vulnerable households.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said traditional leaders remained important custodians of the country’s heritage and partners in community development.
“We recognise traditional leaders as important custodians of our heritage and key partners in promoting unity, resolving community disputes and supporting development initiatives,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said cooperation among traditional leaders, Government and the ZNA was essential in addressing challenges affecting communities, including drug and substance abuse, adolescent pregnancies and child marriages.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders in the province, Chief Nyangazonke called for more recruitment opportunities for eligible young people from local communities to join the country’s uniformed forces.
“We appeal to ZNA, ZRP and ZPCS to consider allocating recruitment opportunities annually per chief for eligible children from our communities, subject to recruitment requirements and available vacancies. This will provide our youth with opportunities to serve the nation, acquire skills and contribute to the nation’s development,” he said.
Chief Nyangazonke also raised concerns over border-related crime in the province, citing the movement of firearms, dangerous equipment used in mining activities and smuggled goods.
He urged authorities to take decisive action to address the challenges.
Among those who attended the event were Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Deputy Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, who is also the Bulilima legislator, several
chiefs from across the province and senior Government officials.
The event also featured cultural performances and traditional activities celebrating the province’s heritage.
