The enduring partnership between Zimbabwe’s traditional leaders and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has once again been hailed as a cornerstone of rural development and national unity. This powerful alliance, which blends traditional leadership structures with the organisational and developmental capacity of the military, was celebrated during this year’s Masvingo Provincial Traditional Leaders Day, held over the weekend in Zaka District.
The annual event, organised by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), drew together all 52 traditional chiefs from across Masvingo Province, senior army officers, government officials, and hundreds of community members. The gathering took place at the homestead of Chief Nhema, offering a symbolic reminder of how traditional leadership remains central to the social and economic fabric of rural Zimbabwe.
Chiefs from across the province praised the initiative, noting that it strengthens cooperation and builds shared understanding between the ZNA and traditional leadership, who both play crucial roles in safeguarding community welfare.
“We are happy with this annual event because it deepens the relationship between us and the army,” said Chief Neshuro. “This is not just a ceremonial occasion — it is an opportunity to work together for the good of our people.”
Chief Chilonga echoed these sentiments, describing the collaboration as a vital platform for exchanging ideas about transforming rural livelihoods. “We have welcomed this programme with open hands because it gives us a chance to mingle, share notes, and jointly craft solutions with the army to improve the lives of our people,” he said.
In addition to discussions on development, traditional leaders received grocery hampers and farming inputs in preparation for the upcoming summer cropping season — a gesture that underscores the ZNA’s ongoing support for community resilience and food security. Senator Chief Nhema expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that it would go a long way in supporting the Zunde raMambo initiative, which ensures food reserves for vulnerable families within each chieftainship.
Chairperson of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Chitanga, highlighted the growing importance of bringing such events directly into rural communities. “This year we are gathered here at Chief Nhema’s homestead, and next year we will move to another chief’s area. The event used to be held at 4 Infantry Brigade, but now we are taking it to the people,” he said. “This allows communities to interact directly with the army and express their development priorities.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, applauded the ZDF for spearheading several community-focused initiatives in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusive development — encapsulated in the mantra leaving no one and no place behind.
“The government has been implementing numerous development projects in rural parts of the country, including Zaka,” Chadzamira said. “Many of these projects are complete, while others are ongoing. The army’s involvement complements government efforts to promote rural industrialisation and ensure that every part of Zimbabwe benefits from national progress.”
ZDF and Traditional Leaders Strengthen Ties to Boost Rural Development
The ZNA’s contributions to Masvingo’s development are tangible and far-reaching. Among the current projects underway are the construction of the Nikita Mangena Clinic in Mwenezi and the Dumisa Secondary School in Chiredzi. Both projects respond directly to the pressing needs of local communities for improved healthcare and education infrastructure.
Chief of Staff (Administrative Staff), Major General Asher Tapfumaneyi, reaffirmed the ZNA’s commitment to grassroots development. “We work closely with traditional leaders to identify and address community needs,” he said. “In Mwenezi, we realised that there were too few clinics, so we are constructing one. Similarly, in Chikombedzi, we saw the need for another secondary school and began building it. These are practical steps to uplift rural communities.”
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership also supports agricultural productivity through the provision of farming inputs for the Zunde raMambo programme. The initiative empowers traditional leaders to ensure food self-sufficiency within their communities and to provide a safety net for families affected by droughts or other hardships.
As the day concluded, participants reflected on the shared vision of a self-sustaining, peaceful, and prosperous rural Zimbabwe. The collaboration between the ZDF and traditional leaders continues to demonstrate how national institutions and cultural heritage can work hand-in-hand to foster development and strengthen social cohesion.
The Masvingo Provincial Traditional Leaders Day thus reaffirmed that unity between the custodians of culture and the protectors of national sovereignty remains a powerful driver for progress — one that promises to transform rural livelihoods for generations to come.
Source- ZBC
