The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisations (NGOs) have successfully created a culture of dependency syndrome in the country, and downplayed the zeal to work among citizens especially in rural areas, a senior military official has said.
Addressing the province’s chiefs during the Traditional Leaders’ Day at Three Infantry Brigade in Mutare last week on Saturday, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Chief of General Staff, Major-General Kasirai Tazira, said: “Some of us grew up during the Rhodesian time, and we never had any NGOs that we saw helping us during that time even during droughts. This is because the people of this country have always had a culture of working for themselves.
“Then when the NGOs came, people are now reluctant to do the normal duties they used to in the fields simply because there is something coming for free from NGOs. It is sad. NGOs have created a dependence syndrome.
‘‘We are not saying they are not helpful in times of need, but the adverse effects of their assistance have been dependence syndrome among our citizens,” said Major-General Tazira.
He also urged chiefs in Manicaland to safeguard local cultures as a way of upholding Zimbabwe’s norms, values and beliefs.
Major-General Tazira said preventing cultural dilution keeps local communities and the country’s moral fabric intact.
“Our culture is under threat of being eroded if we do not take measures to safeguard it. Parents and community leaders have a huge role to play by teaching our children our ways of life so that they always remember their roots and where they come from even as some now live in an urban set-up.
“Our culture is very important because it defines us as a people, signifies our norms, values and beliefs as well as how we relate to each other,” said Major-General Tazira.
He urged traditional leaders to educate people on the importance of traditional food as most of them are rich in nutritional value.
In a separate speech during the same function, Zimbabwe Chiefs’ Council Manicaland provincial chairman, Chief Makumbe, praised the Zimbabwe National Army for its commitment and determination during times of disasters.
“We really want to thank ZNA for the role it plays during times of disasters. We all saw how they have been helpful during Cyclone Idai, and how they continue to help communities in times of need. This is really commendable, and that makes the relationship between the army and the people strong,” he said.
