by Zivanai Dhewa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially opened the 2018 Annual Chiefs’ Conference at Kadoma Hotel.

Speaking at the conference themed “Promoting Vision 2030 Through Traditional Leadership,” President Mnangagwa acknowledged the Chiefs’ recommendations and requests.

Responding to President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira’s request for Chiefs to be afforded benefits as those in Ministries as their duties were similar, President Mnangagwa urged the Chiefs not to compare themselves to civil servants.

“Chiefs should stand as Chiefs and not compare themselves to Civil Servants in order to avoid confusion.  Make your requests as Chiefs as you are recognised by the Constitution.

“Our first Act will be aligning the Chiefs’ Act to the New Constitution,” said the President.

Highlighting on what the Constitution stipulates about the Chiefs, President Mnangagwa said, “The Constitution recognises Chiefs as custodians of the land, culture and traditions.”

He added that, “Resettlement areas should fall under the jurisdiction of Chiefs. This will be done after research has been carried out and proper boundaries are drawn,” he added.

President Mnangagwa also emphasised the importance of Chiefs in eliminating hunger within their jurisdiction.

“Zunde raMambo will be strengthened through the Ministry of Agriculture.  It will no longer be Social Welfare initiative but should be transformed for the betterment of the communities,” said President Mnangagwa

In conclusion, the President stressed and laid squarely on the Chiefs shoulders the need and importance of spreading love, peace and unity because Government is also working towards those goals.

Accompanying the President were the two Vice Presidents, General (Rtrd) Constantino G. Chiwenga, Kembo D. Mohadi and the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development.