On September 25, 2024, President Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa officiated the handover of 90 vehicles to Zimbabwean traditional chiefs in Harare, marking the continuation of the government’s initiative to support chiefs as custodians of the nation’s culture and land. This latest handover is part of a broader strategy to improve the welfare and operational capabilities of traditional leaders as they contribute to the nation’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
In his remarks, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of traditional leaders in shaping and maintaining Zimbabwe’s socio-economic framework. “The policy of providing vehicles to chiefs every five years is a reflection of my Administration’s commitment to ensuring that chiefs can efficiently carry out their duties,” he said. He noted that this initiative is crucial for bolstering chiefs’ roles in governance, land management, and cultural preservation.
President Mnangagwa also revealed additional measures to support traditional leaders, including access to medical insurance, funeral assistance packages, and the improvement of infrastructure like access roads, electrification, and water provision to chiefs’ homesteads. These interventions aim to uplift the living standards of chiefs and enhance their ability to serve their communities.
With the enactment of recent legislation such as the Marriages Act and the Births and Deaths Registry Act, traditional leaders have assumed expanded responsibilities, including officiating marriages and registering births and deaths. This empowerment of chiefs, according to the President, is vital for governance at the grassroots level.
Addressing the ongoing El Niño-induced drought, President Mnangagwa commended the Zunde RaMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi Programme, where chiefs play a critical role in food distribution across rural communities. “Five tonnes of food have been distributed per ward across the country, with chiefs leading this distribution effort,” he said, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring that no one goes hungry.
Despite the economic challenges posed by sanctions, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continually improving the remuneration and conditions of service for traditional leaders. He concluded by encouraging chiefs to continue preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural values amid the influence of social media, before officially handing over the vehicles.
The handover event reflects the Zimbabwean government’s ongoing focus on enhancing the role of traditional leaders in national development while addressing their welfare and operational needs.
