The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, attended the 2026 Matabeleland South Traditional Leaders’ Day celebrations held at Chief Sangulube’s homestead in Mangwe District.
The event brought together 23 of the Province’s 34 chiefs, Government officials, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), representatives of the security sector and other stakeholders. Among the dignitaries present was the Member of Parliament for Bulilima Constituency and Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services, Honourable D. Phuti. The Chief of Staff Quartermaster, Major General Maseko, presided as Guest of Honour.
The celebrations were held under the theme, “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage for Nation Building Towards Sustainable Development.”
Addressing the gathering, Honourable Nguluvhe recognised traditional leaders as indispensable partners in governance, community development, conflict resolution and the preservation of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
The Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between Government, the Zimbabwe National Army and traditional institutions to promote national unity, social cohesion and peace within communities.
He further called for collective efforts to address social challenges affecting communities, particularly drug and substance abuse, adolescent pregnancies and child marriages. He underscored the importance of community leadership, awareness campaigns and coordinated interventions in protecting vulnerable groups and safeguarding the future of young people.
Honourable Nguluvhe commended traditional leaders for their continued dedication to promoting development, upholding cultural values and maintaining peace and harmony in their respective communities.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of traditional leaders, acknowledging the important role they play in supporting development initiatives and connecting communities with Government programmes.
The Minister encouraged traditional leaders to maintain open communication with his office, assuring them of his availability to engage with them and address their concerns. He stressed that sustained dialogue, cooperation and collective problem-solving remain essential in resolving challenges and accelerating development across Matabeleland South Province.
In a notable commitment to community infrastructure development, Honourable Nguluvhe pledged to facilitate the construction of Sangulube Bridge at no cost to the community, highlighting the importance of improving accessibility and supporting the movement of people and goods.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Grain Marketing Board for providing agricultural inputs and acknowledged the contributions of Nyaradzo Funeral Services, Moonlight Funeral Services, Doves Funeral Services, Hwange Colliery Company and Mr Terry towards the success of the event.
He further thanked members of the Provincial Joint Operations Committee, senior security officers, Government officials and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful hosting of the celebrations.
As part of the event, chiefs received food hampers and agricultural inputs in recognition of their leadership and continued contribution to community development.
The celebrations provided an important platform for strengthening relations between Government and traditional institutions, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage and reinforcing the role of traditional leadership in advancing sustainable development.
Honourable Nguluvhe concluded by calling upon traditional leaders and all stakeholders to remain united in safeguarding cultural traditions, promoting peace and supporting national development. He also advised that preparations for the 2027 Traditional Leaders’ Day celebrations were already underway.