Columbus Mabika in RUSHINGA
THE Zimbabwe National Army has reiterated its commitment to nation-building, the development of underprivileged communities, and the preservation of values and ethos for the prosperity of Zimbabwe.
ZNA Chief of Staff Administration, Major General Cephas Gurira, announced this commitment during this year’s Mashonaland Central Chiefs’ Day commemorations held at Chief Nyakusengwa’s homestead in Rushinga last Friday. The event was held under the theme “Preserving our cultural heritage for nation building towards sustainable development.”
Annually, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces interact with traditional leaders throughout the country based on the water and fish concept. This collaboration reflects how the ZDF operates within and recruits personnel from communities guided by traditional leaders.
To mark the occasion, the ZNA, through its Artillery Brigade, is set to transform Chief Nyakusengwa’s homestead by constructing and furnishing a modern house, installing fencing, and putting an orchard.
Maj Gen Gurira led the ground-breaking ceremony for the new house, with all building materials already delivered to the site.
Major-Gen Gurira said the relationship with traditional leaders benefits both the nation and future generations.
“The Zimbabwe National Army is committed to working together with chiefs in fulfilling the developmental aspirations of the Zimbabwean population anywhere across the length and breadth of our country. We remain resolute in promoting strong relations and cooperation with traditional leaders, recognising their important role in safeguarding our cultural values, customs and traditions; this partnership dates back to the time of the liberation struggle,” he said.
“Chiefs as custodians of our culture have an important role to play in bringing communities together, supporting vulnerable families and promoting values that contribute to the safety, unity and sustainable development.” As enshrined in the Constitution, Major General Gurira noted that traditional leaders continue to play a vital role in maintaining peace, unity, and stability within communities. Furthermore, chiefs contribute to national development by mobilising communities to participate in Government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and living conditions.
Commander Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Lloyd Mutsvangwa, whose formation is responsible for security in Mashonaland Central, added that traditional leaders have a critical role to play in addressing the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse within communities.
“As respected leaders and custodians of community values, chiefs are strategically positioned to educate communities on the dangers associated with drug and substance abuse to promote responsible behaviour,” he said. Mashonaland Central Chiefs’ Council chairman, Chief Nyamaropa (Mr Munyaradzi Tivaringe), commended the Second Republic for its inclusivity, which has left no one and no place behind.
“We applaud the new dispensation for taking traditional leadership seriously and genuinely. These developments have trickled down as economic dividends which have also benefited traditional leaders in various ways,” he said.
