By HRH Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
Harare, Zimbabwe(News of The South) – A growing chorus of voices within Zimbabwe is expressing deep concern over the perceived lack of importance and support accorded to the country’s traditional chiefs. These concerns range from the education of their children to the recognition of their crucial role in society and the preservation of Zimbabwean culture.
Several Zimbabweans have highlighted the disparity in educational opportunities, noting that while children of government ministers and war veterans often receive free education, the children of traditional chiefs do not enjoy the same privilege. This is seen as a significant oversight, particularly as these children are expected to inherit leadership roles and contribute to the development of their communities, requiring skills and knowledge.
The lack of adequate education for chiefs’ children is further compounded by the reportedly poor quality of schools they often attend. Unlike the private schools favoured by the children of government officials, where cultural education is said to be extensive, chiefs’ children in substandard schools may not receive sufficient instruction on their own culture and traditions. This raises fears that future traditional leaders may lack the necessary knowledge to effectively guide their communities.
Calls are also being made for the government to invest in the further education of traditional chiefs themselves. It is argued that providing opportunities for higher learning and exposure to governance structures would empower them to better serve their communities in a modern context. There should be a balance between modernity and culture.
Adding to the concerns is the practice of installing very elderly individuals, sometimes in their nineties, as chiefs. Critics question the effectiveness of such leaders in addressing the needs of their people and driving community development.
A significant portion of the Zimbabwean population is reportedly unaware of the vital roles that traditional chiefs play within their communities. While colonialism significantly diminished their power and authority, some Zimbabweans are inadvertently contributing to this erosion of influence through neglect and lack of recognition.
Drawing comparisons with other African nations like Kenya, where chiefs are often provided with security and treated with high regard, some Zimbabweans believe their traditional leaders should also be accorded similar respect and recognition. The idea of diplomatic immunity and passports for chiefs to facilitate travel for cultural exchange and knowledge sharing with other African kingdoms has also been suggested. This networking could potentially bring valuable insights and development strategies back to Zimbabwean communities.
The state of traditional attire in Zimbabwe is another area identified for improvement. There are calls to encourage Zimbabweans to take pride in African prints and to develop a thriving local fashion industry, which could also create much-needed employment opportunities and reduce reliance on imported clothing.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the decline in the observance of certain cultural practices, such as the “kurova guva” ceremony following a death. Critics note a shift towards solely holding church memorials, potentially leading to the erosion of important traditional customs.
The relationship between tradition and religion is also being discussed, with some expressing the view that prayer negates the need for traditional practices. However, others argue that both can coexist and were historically practiced by their forefathers.
Overall, there is a growing sentiment that Zimbabwe needs to work more diligently in preserving and promoting its culture and traditions. This is not only seen as crucial for maintaining national identity but also as a potential avenue for job creation and community empowerment. The apparent neglect of traditional chiefs and the lack of support for cultural preservation are issues that many Zimbabweans believe need urgent attention to ensure the country does not lose its rich heritage and the potential contributions of its traditional leaders.
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