Staff Reporter
FORMER Hwange mayor Cosmas Kaboloma has said traditional leaders in Dinde, are better poised to promote economic growth in Hwange District’s most troubled zone.
The Dinde community is in the middle of a land dispute with a Chinese mining company that plans to set up a colliery in the area.
Kaboloma said chiefs must exercise their role as custodians of the land to make sure that the local people derive benefits from any economic activity.
The Alderman said this at a ceremony to install Vincent Francis Ndhlovu as Dinde’s Machenje village head on Sunday.
“While this might not be the appropriate platform to discuss the Chinese-Dinde dispute, I feel there is a need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing saga,” he said.
“The importance of a peaceful dialogue cannot be over emphasised. We put our trust in the hands of the traditional leaders to do their best to ensure that these disputes are resolved in a peaceful, regulated and institutionalised manner.”
Dinde villagers have lately hogged national limelight as witnessed by fierce clashes with Chinese investor over a coal mining project.
Kaboloma said Ndlovu’s installation as Muchenje village headman, was sure to restore order.
“I would like to pay my sincere gratitude to the traditional leaders in Dinde for restoring the village headmanship that had long been lost in this side of Machenje.
“His nomination and subsequent appointment as village head was done pursuant to the traditional customs and principles of succession as he was the one next in line to succeed as per the succession tree compiled by our local elders. The process went smoothly due to the clear coherent history of our family succession tree.
“On behalf of the Kaboloma clan, I would like to thank Chief Nekatambe, headman Dickson Ncube and village heads for their cooperation and unfettered discretion in nominating Ndhlovu as our village head, who is well fitted for the purpose,” said Kaboloma.
Accepting his hereditary role, the charismatic Ndhlovu promised to work well and with a clear vision for his community without discriminating anyone on tribal, political or religious grounds.
“I feel honoured to be your community leader and promise to do the best to my ability to preserve local customs and traditions. I appeal for your support in reducing crime rate as I don’t want to preside over cases that will leave my people in prison.”
Other community leaders present at the event advised the new headman to be of exemplary behaviour, acquaint himself with the relevant provisions of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17].
Village heads present included Sylvester Tshuma, Nehwati, Moffart Shoko, Isaac Mabuyu, Stephen Ngoko, Machingula and Cleopas Pembele.
