The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
TRADITIONAL leaders should continue being the custodians of cultural values, traditions and customs since traditional governance systems are critical in the development of the nation, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable July Moyo has said.
Speaking on Minister Moyo’s behalf on Wednesday as the 16th Chief Mutasa, Mr James Kurauone Mutasa was being installed at St James Zongoro Secondary School in Mutasa, his deputy, Honourable Marian Chombo said the preservation of intangible cultural heritage is the key to the empowerment and development of rural Zimbabwe.
“Traditional leaders remain the backbone of the country’s development and it is crucial for you to continue working hand in hand with Government to collectively empower and bring development to our people.
“For some time now, Chief Mutasa has been spearheading many development projects to empower his people in this area. Those are the true qualities of a leader and you should continue doing that,” said Minister Moyo.
He said among the roles of traditional leaders is the issue of promoting and upholding cultural values, facilitating development and resolving disputes in their respective communities.
“The institution of traditional leadership is regulated and monitored within the parameters of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and therefore you should always use that as your guide. As Chief Mutasa, you should keep promoting and preserving culture and heritage as well as initiate development in this community,” he said.
The Minister said under the able leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, traditional leaders remain the backbone of the country’s development.
“Traditional leaders have a clear and focused goal of improving the lives of their people. You should provide guidance, direction and motivation to your subjects so that you work towards the same goal.
“You have a key role in understanding and fulfilling the wants and needs of your people. You should have the ability to listen to them and hear their concerns and aspirations.
“It is therefore crucial for traditional leaders to continue working hand in hand with the Government to collectively empower and bring development to our people,” he said.
For eight years, Chief Mutasa’s area had been under the reign of an acting Chief following the death of the late Mr Misheck Pasi Mutasa who died in 2015.
Min Moyo commended the Mutasa people for finally identifying the rightful heir to the throne.
“Traditional leadership is based on inheriting power from a predecessor and for the past eight years, the Mutasa people have been struggling on identifying a successor for the late chief. As Government, we are delighted that you have finally made your choice and nominated the right heir,” he said.
Addressing the same gathering, Manicaland Provincial Chiefs’ Council Chairperson, Senator Chief Makumbe urged the new Chief Mutasa to make the Traditional Leaders’ Act his everyday manual.
Honourable Marian Chombo hands over car keys to Chief James Mutasa after his installation on Wednesday
He said as the guardians of the land, traditional leaders should safeguard their people’s welfare, their cultural beliefs as well as the people’s land.
“We are all happy that Ndorikanda’s son has become the Chief but we want to urge you to be a humble Chief one who listens to his people. Above all, fear God because He has put you where you are today,” said Chief Makumbe.
“Always be fair and honest. Do not be corrupt or favour other subjects. Lead by example because charity begins at home. Welcome to the league of leaders, be a wise leader like Solomon. We hope that we will work together well in the Provincial Chiefs Assembly. Congratulations to the people of Mutasa, your family now has a leader,” he said.
Chief Mutasa was born in 1968.
He attended St James Zongoro Primary School and proceeded to St Augustine’s’ High School. He acquired Diplomas in Boiler Technology and Mechanical Engineering.
He moved ranks at work until he became a Technical Director at Werkshire Investments in 2017.
The chief has one wife and seven children.
He is a direct descendant of Chief Tendai Chifambausiku Mutasa, who became chief in 1872.
Chief Chifambausiku Mutasa had nine sons, one of them being Ndorikanda, the current Chief Mutasa’s great grandfather.
The Mutasa chieftaincy rotates across Chief Tendai Chifambausiku Mutasa’s lineage that includes the Chimbadzwa, Chakanyuka, Kadzima, Mukanda, Pafiwa, Ndorikanda and Chakambeni families.
