President Emmerson Mnangagwa, speaking to a gathering of Zanu PF supporters at the Robert Mugabe National Youth Day in Masvingo North, has attributed the looming drought in the country to traditional leaders, particularly chiefs. Mnangagwa warned chiefs to ensure they perform traditional rain-making rites or face removal from their positions.
Addressing the crowd, Mnangagwa expressed concern over the prolonged dry spell, emphasizing the responsibility of chiefs in managing such situations. He stated that if rainfall continues to elude the nation, he would hold chiefs accountable and consider their removal from office. Mnangagwa urged citizens not to direct their queries about the lack of rain to him but to the chiefs, stressing that they should engage with the traditional leaders respectfully.
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Despite their constitutional mandate to remain impartial, chiefs have often been associated with government and Zanu PF activities. The role of traditional leaders in preserving culture and tradition has diminished, with the process of appointing chiefs becoming centralized, largely controlled by the President through the Ministry of Local Government. This has led to instances where chiefs inherit their positions from their fathers, deviating from traditional practices where chieftaincy rotates among different houses.
Furthermore, recent government operations, such as Operation Order No To Land Barons, have curtailed the authority of chiefs, particularly regarding land issues. Chiefs have expressed discontent over being sidelined in such operations, arguing that their involvement is crucial in ensuring fairness. Notably, several chiefs from Masvingo District confirmed that they were not consulted about ongoing programs, feeling marginalized and uninformed.