Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has commended traditional leaders for supporting government programmes aimed at tackling child marriages, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence and drug abuse in communities.
Speaking through Deputy Minister Albert Mavunga at the Mashonaland Central Provincial Chiefs Council Assembly meeting in Mazowe on Thursday, Garwe said chiefs remained critical partners in promoting social development and protecting vulnerable groups.
“Chiefs occupy a unique constitutional position as custodians of our culture, traditions, customs and heritage. The Constitution entrusts you with the responsibility of preserving our values, promoting social cohesion, resolving community disputes, protecting communal resources and supporting Government programmes at the grassroots level,” Garwe said.
The minister urged traditional leaders to ensure villages become safe environments for children and young people.
“These are not merely Government programmes, but national responsibilities that require the continued leadership and influence of traditional leaders,” he said.
Garwe also applauded chiefs in Mashonaland Central for their role in facilitating the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 public outreach meetings.
“The peaceful, orderly and inclusive manner in which the outreach meetings were conducted is testimony to your leadership, wisdom and commitment to democratic governance,” he said.
He urged chiefs to strengthen the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Not in My Village campaign by intensifying efforts to eliminate harmful social practices and promote girls’ education.
Mashonaland Central Provincial Chiefs Council chairperson Chief Matsiwo encouraged chiefs to raise development concerns affecting their communities and propose solutions aimed at improving service delivery.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo, Deputy President of the National Council of Chiefs Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira, senior government officials and traditional leaders from across the province.
