Zanu (PF) has in the past used youth militia to intimidate rural communities and has manipulated chiefs to garner support from villagers in its quest to cling to power.
The Global Political Agreement stipulates that the principals should commit themselves to ensuring the political neutrality of traditional leaders. Speaking at the 20th World Breastfeeding Week commemorations held at Rio Tinto High School in Mhondoro recently, Chief Mashayamombe said communities should shun violence and conduct their activities in peace.
“We are tired of political violence in Mashonaland West, so I am saying no more violence in this province,” he said.
Mashayamombe appealed to everyone, especially village heads to “come and learn new things on political tolerance”, but did not shed more light on where or when such training would take place.
At Chief Masunda’s homestead in Zvishavane last week, Local Government, Rural and Development Minister, Ignatius Chombo said plans were underway to ensure that chiefs get luxury vehicles, a move experts say has huge political implications as the country gears towards elections.
Post published in: News