THOUSANDS of people gathered at Msipani Primary School in Zvishavane on Saturday for the installation of Taruba Moyo as the 13th substantive Chief Wedza, in a ceremony that highlighted the role of traditional leaders in preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment.

Chief Wedza was formally appointed to the office by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa in February this year, paving the way for his installation.

The occasion was welcomed by community members, who said that having a substantive chief would strengthen local leadership, provide a recognised channel for resolving community concerns and support development initiatives.

“We are happy that we now have a new and substantive chief. This is good news to us because we really know the importance of having a substantive chief. Now we are poised for development in our ward, and this is the beginning of new things in our area. Credit to the Second Republic and government for the appointment,” a villager said.

Another community member said the installation had restored clarity on where residents could take their concerns.

“In the past few months, we had nowhere to go and report our issues because we were not sure who the substantive chief was, but after this installation we are now poised for greater things in the Wedza community. I cannot measure how happy I am with this development because it is good not only for me but for the whole community. This is commendable indeed,” the community member said.

Government also reaffirmed the importance of traditional leaders in safeguarding cultural values, customs and practices while contributing to national development.

“Under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Mnangagwa, the government places paramount importance on the institution of traditional leadership. In addition to being guardians of our traditions, cultural values, norms, and practices, Chiefs are strategic partners in driving development,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Owen Ncube said.

The newly installed Chief Wedza also received a vehicle as part of his conditions of service.zbcnews