President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged chiefs to safeguard culture, support development programmes and ensure responsible use of natural resources.
Addressing chiefs from across the country at the official opening of the 2025 Annual National Chiefs Conference at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show Grounds in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the annual gathering provided an important platform to reflect on progress in rural communities and assess how Government and traditional leaders could improve lives.
“We have yet another opportunity to reflect on matters affecting our rural communities in general, and the nation at large.
Ndimi varidzi vevhu. Hurumende yandinotungamira icharamba ichitsigira kushanda kwedu pamwe chete,” he added.
The President underscored the liberation war roots that bind Government and chiefs, insisting the relationship would not be broken.
“My Government will remain closely intertwined with the Traditional Leaders. And for that we make no apologies. Let no one disturb this intricate connection,” he said.
Commending progress in agriculture, mining and community-based projects, President Mnangagwa praised chiefs for driving development in their areas.
“I commend you our Chiefs, for the successes we continue to witness in the agriculture space, including in mining, infrastructure, tourism and manufacturing sectors,” he said.
He highlighted the impact of Pfumvudza/Intwasa, Winter Wheat, Village Business Units and fisheries programmes.
“Zvinodadisa kuti isu vene venyika, tava kushandisa ivhu redu, tichisimudzira matunhu enyika yedu,” President Mnangagwa added.
He said the Rural Development 8.0 Programme was accelerating rural industrialisation. The President disclosed that dam construction and rehabilitation were being expedited to boost irrigation.
“The completion of Gwai-Shangani and Kunzvi Dams is being speeded up,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also urged chiefs to ensure responsible mining and environmental protection.
“Investors are, once again, called upon to respect our laws, traditions and customs. Avo vasingadi kutevedzera mitemo… ngavadzokere kwavo,” he warned.
He announced ongoing improvements to chiefs’ welfare, including medical aid arrangements, infrastructure upgrades and the distribution of vehicles and mobile phones.
“To ensure your mobility and communication, I will be handing over another batch of vehicles and mobile phones to Chiefs,” he said.
Declaring the conference officially opened, President Mnangagwa thanked chiefs for their “unwavering and gallant support” and urged them to remain united as the country pushes towards Vision 2030. He ended by wishing traditional leaders a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Annual National Chiefs Conference brings together traditional leaders from all provinces to deliberate on governance, cultural preservation and rural development.
The platform has grown in significance under the Second Republic, becoming a key space for aligning Government policies with community-level needs and strengthening the role of traditional leadership in national development.
