By Flata Kavinga
Traditional leaders have been urged to strengthen their role in resolving community disputes, preserving cultural heritage and promoting peace as Zimbabwe moves to deepen decentralisation and community-based governance.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube made the call during the official commissioning of the US$226 000 Chief Gwesela Community Court and the commemoration of Culture Day in Zhombe.
Ncube said traditional leaders remained important in maintaining social cohesion and supporting community-level justice systems through community courts, village assemblies and ward assemblies.
He said the newly commissioned court would serve residents in Wards 2, 4, 9, 10, 15 and 32, covering communal and resettlement areas with approximately 41 village heads.
“Today’s dual celebrations underscore the role of traditional leaders in promoting peace, preservation of cultural heritage, resolving community disputes and supporting the devolved lower tier of our legal and governance systems,” Ncube said.
He said traditional institutions also had a responsibility to safeguard values associated with Ubuntu, including unity, discipline, respect, integrity, hard work, responsibility, solidarity, hospitality and peaceful coexistence.
Ncube said culture should not be viewed solely in terms of ceremonies, dances and traditional attire but also as a source of indigenous knowledge, languages, crafts, food, literature and other forms of heritage.
He said cultural heritage could contribute to economic development while helping communities maintain their identity in the face of globalisation.
The minister also called on traditional leaders and communities to address cultural practices that undermine the dignity and rights of women, children, widows and other vulnerable groups.
He said partnerships between government, the private sector, traditional institutions and communities were important in addressing local development challenges.
Ncube commended Chief Gwesela and his council for establishing the community court, saying it could serve as a local platform for justice, reconciliation and peace.
The minister also highlighted government-supported cultural initiatives, including the declaration of May as National Culture Month and the establishment or development of cultural centres and heritage sites.
He cited projects such as the Shangwe Culture Village in Nembudziya and the Baradzanwa Culture Village in Mazowe, as well as the revitalisation of heritage sites and monuments.
Ncube also urged communities to strengthen cultural restoration and preservation as part of broader national development efforts.
The event brought together traditional leaders, government officials, community members and other stakeholders to mark Culture Day and the opening of the facility.
