Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday reiterated that the Government will continue to support traditional leaders as they played a pivotal role in the development of various sectors of the country’s economy.
He made the call when he officially opened the 2025 Annual National Chiefs Conference in Harare.
“We have yet another opportunity to reflect on matters affecting our rural communities in general, and the nation at large. Most importantly, we have a duty to take stock of our successes in addressing the aspirations and concerns of the communities which you preside over, as our Chiefs, Headmen, and Village Heads. The insights and perspectives we share during this annual gathering should drive our country forward.
“The Government will remain closely intertwined with the traditional leaders. Traditional leaders and communities supported the armed struggle for our liberation. Now, under a free and independent Zimbabwe, this relationship will continue to thrive. Let no one disturb this intricate connection. As you are aware, a stronger, industrialised, and modern economy for Zimbabwe depends largely on increased agricultural production and productivity, food security, and the adequate supply of raw materials for various industries. I, therefore, commend you our Chiefs, for the successes we continue to witness in the agriculture space, including in mining, infrastructure, tourism, and manufacturing sectors,” President Mnangagwa said.
He expressed hope that the Government’s agricultural inputs for programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa and Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi are timeously being availed to traditional leaders and their subjects.
“The total harvests, household incomes, and quality of livelihoods of our communities continue to improve. The Government will continue to support and resource all the policies and programmes we have rolled out under the Second Republic. The ultimate goal of these interventions under the Rural Development 8.0 Programme is to accelerate rural industrialisation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa added that to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes across the country are ongoing, with the completion of Gwai-Shangani and Kunzvi Dams being expedited.
The Government’s aim, he said, is to ensure that these dams, among others, become fully operational, with the requisite and modern water conveyancing infrastructure.
“This will enable the creation of agricultural green belts, for the benefit of our communities and the country as a whole. Chiefs are the custodians of the land, environment, as well as natural resources. I, therefore, urge you to continue ensuring that investment projects, including mining activities, are done responsibly and sustainably. Your communities, women, and the youth should enjoy the benefits, economic and social value of our God given natural resources,” President Mnangagwa said.
He challenged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Councils, the Environmental Management Agency, and Forestry Commission, among other stakeholders, to ensure that local communities are consulted and participate during environmental impact assessments.
President Mnangagwa also highlighted the development, construction, and rehabilitation of roads, energy, water, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure projects.
“As we attend to our main highways, the need to maintain and modernise trunk and rural roads will equally receive the necessary support and resources. To accelerate the building, modernisation and industrialization of our country, human capital development remains central. Investments in innovation, science and technology development, as well as the manufacturing sector through value addition and beneficiation of our natural resources, are a priority.
“Government welcomes public-private partnerships for the construction of additional educational infrastructure, including laboratories and computer science facilities. All our young people in both rural and urban areas will be given opportunities and equipped with modern technologies and ICT-based skills,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged traditional leaders to take a keen interest in the success of the projects, highlighting that they are vital cogs in facilitating development planning and the implementation of projects at the Village and Ward levels.
He said Chiefs’ role in expediting justice delivery, conflict resolution, ensuring peace, unity, and social cohesion among communities, remains important.
“In undertaking this important role in our nation’s governance architecture, I implore you to remain guided by the values that underpin fair and impartial justice delivery. Take into consideration the need to protect our national image and the respect of our identity, dignity, and cultural values. Our nation cannot afford to suffer from the scourge of drug and substance abuse, as well as Gender Based Violence (GBV),” he said.
New Ziana
