Harare, (New Ziana) – The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, says the Government will pull all plugs to align the Traditional Leaders Bill with the national Constitution’s Traditional Leaders Act.
He was speaking at the ongoing Traditional Leaders Bill write-up workshop in Harare on Thursday, and is being attended by Government officials and traditional leaders under the National Council of Chiefs banner.
The three-day workshop, which ends on Saturday, is expected to refine and consolidate collective contributions towards a modern, relevant, and robust Traditional Leaders Bill.
“As Government, we are committed to ensuring that the Traditional leaders Bill is fully aligned with the Constitution, with the values of our people, and with the realities experienced by traditional leaders in their daily service to communities.
“The Bill must also support our national development priorities, including devolution, rural transformation, climate resilience and inclusive community participation. A strong, well-structured institution of traditional leadership is indispensable to the achievement of Vision 2030,” he said.
Garwe noted that the workshop allowed participants to critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of the current framework and collectively recommend improvements.
Issues such as appointment of chiefs, functions and mandates of traditional leaders, administrative support systems, ethical leadership, and dispute resolution processes will be addressed at the workshop.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to every participant for prioritizing this exercise, which is central to the strengthening of traditional leadership and community governance in Zimbabwe.
“This process is not merely administrative; it is foundational to preserving our cultural heritage, enhancing community leadership structures, and aligning with our national development aspirations,” he added.
“Traditional leaders occupy a pivotal role in our society. They are custodians of culture and ancestral heritage; they are guardians of social cohesion; they resolve conflicts, maintain community harmony, and support Government programmes at the grassroots level.
“Their leadership contributes significantly to peace building, environmental stewardship, community mobilization and the preservation of Zimbabwean identity. It is therefore essential that the legislative framework governing this institution reflects the full weight and dignity of these responsibilities,” Garwe said.
He expressed hope that by the end of the workshop, there would be a clear, well-informed draft Bill that speaks to the needs of both the people and Government, while adapting to modern governance realities and reinforcing the dignity and responsibility of traditional leadership in the service of national development.
New Ziana
