Government has urged traditional leaders to uphold their constitutional responsibility of driving community development, preserving cultural heritage and resolving local disputes in accordance with customary law.
The call was made during the installation of Gift Zirota as Headman Kanyurira in Mbire District, Mashonaland Central Province.
Community members welcomed the installation, saying the appointment would help address developmental and social challenges that had affected the area following a prolonged vacancy in the headmanship.
“I am happy at the installation of Headman Kanyurira. It was a long time since his post was vacant, so we wish to work positively with him. We hope he will resolve our challenges,” said community member Promotion Domba.
Another resident, Sarudzai Kadenge, said the absence of a traditional leader had negatively affected development in the area.
“We are happy because staying without a leader stalls development; now we have someone to cry to, and he will resolve the challenges we face in this area,” she said.
Chief Chisunga urged the newly installed headman to unite the community following a period of rivalry over the headmanship.
“To the headman, I say you are representative of the Chief in the area. He leads the village heads and reports directly to the Chief. He rules some of the lesser crimes that may not be directed to the Chief,” said Chief Chisunga.
“He should humble himself; he will meet many enemies and many friends but must remain approachable,” he added.
Officiating at the ceremony, Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo challenged Headman Kanyurira to place development at the centre of his duties.
“Looking at the programme for development enshrined in Vision 2030, we expect infrastructure, the environment and welfare to be improved by you and your headman, so that no one is left behind,” said Minister Magomo.
“We should be an upper middle-income society, which will only happen if we work, unite and respect our traditional leaders—the Chief, village heads and the headman. This will take our nation forward; that is what our President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa expects,” he said.
Born on 4 October 1967, Gift Zirota of Chigwededza House and Nzou totem served as Sabhuku Vheremu in the Masoka areas of Mbire District from 1987 until his elevation as Headman Kanyurira.
Beyond promoting grassroots development and preserving cultural heritage, Headman Kanyurira is expected to strengthen environmental conservation efforts and help resolve human-wildlife conflicts, which are prevalent in the area.
