Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has urged Zimbabwe’s traditional leaders to protect the country’s cultural heritage, land and natural resources while promoting peace and unity in their communities.
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Read E-PaperAddressing traditional leaders, VP Chiwenga said chiefs and headmen have a key responsibility in preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural values and maintaining harmony within communities.
“Traditional leaders are not only custodians of culture but also play an important role in resolving disputes, strengthening community cohesion and supporting the implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level,” said VP Chiwenga.
The Vice President urged traditional leaders to remain alert to the exploitation of Zimbabwe’s natural resources and ensure that national assets are protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
He also called on traditional institutions to support the country’s development agenda by promoting values that contribute to national progress.
“Traditional leaders must safeguard our heritage, land and natural resources while promoting peace and unity as foundations for national development,” VP Chiwenga said.
He encouraged chiefs and headmen to work closely with communities and government structures in addressing challenges affecting people at the local level.
The Vice President stressed that peace and unity were essential for creating an environment conducive to development.
“Peace and unity are critical if we are to achieve our national development objectives and ensure that communities fully benefit from government programmes,” he said.
VP Chiwenga further linked the responsibilities of traditional leaders to Zimbabwe’s broader development targets under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
He urged traditional leaders to promote responsible land use and the sustainable management of natural resources while encouraging communities to participate in programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
Traditional leaders, he said, remain an important link between government and rural communities because of their knowledge of local conditions and influence within their respective areas.
“Traditional leaders have a critical role to play in supporting NDS2 and Vision 2030 by mobilising communities and promoting values that advance development,” VP Chiwenga said.
The call comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue economic development and modernisation while seeking to preserve its cultural identity.
VP Chiwenga said traditional leadership should remain committed to protecting Zimbabwe’s heritage and resources while fostering cooperation, peace and unity.
