By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Harare – At a ceremony held in the capital city, Zimbabwean President, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, officially handed over 90 vehicles to the country’s traditional chiefs. This latest tranche of vehicle allocation is part of the government’s broader plan to uphold the dignity and support the critical role played by traditional leaders across the nation.
Speaking at the event, President Mnangagwa emphasized that the vehicle handover is aligned with the government’s policy of providing chiefs with new vehicles every five years. He noted that this initiative is premised on the understanding that the functions performed by traditional leaders directly and indirectly contribute to the realization of the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle income economy.
“This is part of my Administration’s grand plan to uphold the dignity of our Chiefs and Traditional Leaders, who are the historical custodians of our land and culture, as they carry out their duties,” the President stated.
Beyond the vehicle allocations, President Mnangagwa also highlighted other measures taken by the government to improve the welfare of traditional leaders. These include the provision of medical insurance and funeral assistance packages, as well as the construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as access roads, electrification, and water and sanitation facilities in chiefs’ homesteads.
Recognizing the additional roles and responsibilities bestowed upon traditional leaders in recent years, the President noted that the Marriages Act and the Births and Deaths Registry Act have empowered chiefs to serve as marriage officers and registrars of births and deaths, respectively.
Addressing the ongoing drought challenges faced by the country, H.E. President Mnangagwa commended the pivotal role played by traditional leaders in the distribution of food aid through the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi Programme. He assured that the government will remain steadfast in ensuring no one starves, with chiefs spearheading the distribution of grain to the needy in rural communities.
The President also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuously review and address matters related to the remuneration and emoluments of traditional leaders, despite the economic challenges posed by the illegal western-imposed sanctions.
“My Government will continue to improve the conditions of service for Traditional Leaders so that they become truly esteemed and dignified leaders,” His Excellency the President declared.
As the chiefs returned to their respective jurisdictions, H.E. President Mnangagwa urged them to continue playing their vital role in preserving the country’s cultural values and norms, even in the face of their potential defilement on social media.
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