Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
Midlands Bureau Chief
THE Midlands Province came together to commemorate Traditional Leaders’ Day with a celebration held at Chief Chireya’s homestead in Gokwe North.
The event, supported by the Zimbabwe National Army, coincided with the distribution of farming inputs under the Zunde Ramambo/Isiphala Senkosi initiative, a cherished concept that promotes community unity and food security. This involves a community scheme to plant a block of crops that can be given to those in need when the main harvest comes through.
Hundreds of people gathered at Chief Chireya’s homestead to acknowledge the crucial role played by traditional leaders in preserving cultural heritage, fostering unity, and driving progress within local communities.
The guest of honour, Midlands Provincial Chiefs Council chairperson Chief Ngungumbane, said the event highlighted the importance of traditional leadership in promoting community cohesion and development.
“We are encouraged by the continued support we receive from the military establishment. The scheme is vital as it enables us to feed our communities. When people are fed, they become productive; and this is what contributes to building our nation,” he said.
Chief Chireya emphasised that the Government-driven Zunde Ramambo/Isiphala Senkosi initiative is a testament to the innovative approaches being implemented to strengthen food security and community solidarity.
“This serves as a reminder of the vital role played by traditional leaders in shaping the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our communities. It’s a tribute to their dedication and commitment to promoting unity, progress and development,” he said.
Chief Chireya praised the initiative, noting that it enhances the capacity of chiefs to serve their communities effectively.
“The programme helps us alleviate the plight of our subjects in times of need. When people face challenges, they naturally turn to their village heads and chiefs. Such programmes allow us to intervene when problems arise. By receiving inputs early, our subjects can assist us in tilling our land before attending to their own fields, in line with tradition,” he said.
The military establishment, which collaborated with traditional leaders to mark the occasion, stressed the importance of empowering traditional leaders to facilitate meaningful development.
Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff Major General Simo Maseko described traditional chiefs as custodians of both heritage and progress.
“We are proud to be part of Traditional Leaders’ Day. Historically, chiefs commanded armies and today, we say you are our chiefs. You care for the vulnerable, ensure fair distribution of resources, resolve conflicts, and uphold peace. You shape society,” he said.
