By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has urged traditional leaders to remain resolute and steadfast in preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural norms and values, saying they are key to fostering unity, social cohesion and national development.
Speaking during the Chief Gwesela Traditional Ceremony held at Chief Gwesela’s Homestead in Zhombe, Ncube said the role of traditional leaders extends beyond cultural preservation, encompassing community development and governance.
“It is important to reflect on the critical role played by our Traditional Leaders in the governance architecture of our communities in Zimbabwe,” he said. “Chiefs are not merely custodians of culture and tradition; they are integral to the socio-economic architecture of our society, serving as mediators, advocates, and development practitioners.”
Ncube commended the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa for recognizing and supporting traditional leadership through welfare and infrastructure development programmes. These include the Zunde raMambo grain scheme for vulnerable communities, electrification of chiefs’ homesteads, provision of boreholes, solar and biogas technologies, and rehabilitation of access roads.
He said the Government continues to prioritize traditional leadership in the implementation of community development programmes such as Pfumvudza, the Drought Relief Programme, and devolution-funded projects that improve local livelihoods.
“Government, through line ministries, local authorities and devolution funds, provides key infrastructure to accelerate attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” Ncube said. “These assets fall under the custody of Traditional Leadership and their communities, and should be guarded jealously as public goods.”
The minister also praised ongoing national projects being rolled out under the devolution and industrialization drive, citing the construction of new clinics, schools, roads, and the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize, which he said will be one of Africa’s largest steel producers.
He reaffirmed the province’s commitment to the national development agenda despite the challenges posed by illegal economic sanctions, stressing that the Government remains focused on building the economy through local innovation and collective effort.
“As I conclude,” Ncube said, “I urge traditional leaders to remain resolute, steadfast and unwavering in upholding our cultural norms and values that entrench social cohesion, unity of purpose and national aspirations as we move towards Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is achievable.”
The Chief Gwesela Traditional Ceremony is held annually to promote cultural preservation, spiritual intercession, and community preparedness for the farming season, which this year is expected to bring normal to above-normal rainfall.
