MARONDERA- The Minister of Local Government and Public Works Winston
Chitando recently called on traditional leaders to continue working closely with
Government departments to ensure a smooth implementation and completion of
developmental projects in districts.
He made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State for
Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi at
separate installation ceremonies of Denford Shonhai of Marondera as Chief
Nenguwo and Newton Kachepa of Mudzi as Chief Mukota.
The two ceremonies were attended by traditional leaders from Mashonaland East
province, Government officials as well as the public from these communities.
Shonhai and Kachepa were officially appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa
with effect from August 8, 2023 followed by their investiture celebrations to cement
the appointments and accord their subjects an opportunity to witness the installation
of their Chiefs.
During the installation ceremonies, Chitando challenged traditional leaders to be
champions of development and culture preservation in their areas of jurisdiction.
“Our Government is alive to the need to link the democratically elected rural district
council structures with traditional leaders in a manner which removes confrontation,
mistrust, tensions and conflicts and which promotes team work between the two
important institutions in our now devolved system of governance. The rural
development challenges call upon both institutions to work together in a relentless
effort to bring about meaningful development and eradication of rural poverty.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank all chiefs for your commendable support in
ensuring food security in all your communities notwithstanding the vagaries of a
changing climatic environment. The Zunde raMambo scheme as a tried and tested
social safety net help the disadvantaged social groups to get adequate food from
their traditional leaders especially in seasons of droughts and dry spells. As
Government we encourage other stakeholders such as NGOs to give support for the
sustainability of the Zunde raMambo.
“I would like also to urge all Chiefs to champion community development
programmes and projects and to maintain among your subjects the spirit of peace as
peace is one of the building blocks for achieving equitable and sustainable national
development. I look forward to see the new Chief Mukota taking a leading role in
supporting the various Government programmes. By the same token, I urge all the
people to rally behind the new Chief and render him all the respect and support,” he
said.
He went on to say as Government, they expect a harmonious relationship between
the Chief and his people for peace and development to prevail.
“Mambo ndiMambo nevanhu. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” he said.
In an interview with Chaminuka, chairperson of the Mashonaland East Provincial
Chiefs Council Chief Nechombo thanked Government for the installation of the
traditional leaders.
“We want to congratulate the Chiefs for the new roles that have been bestowed
upon them and as the leader of all Chiefs in this province, I would like to give
assurances that all the traditional leaders at their level embrace them with open arms
and are ready to work with them for the development of our province,” Chief
Nechombo said.
