Traditional chiefs speak on inauguration

Traditional leaders have thrown their weight behind the newly sworn in President of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Mugabe, saying he is a principled leader and a champion of black economic empowerment.

Traditional leaders across the whole country were represented at the highest level at the inauguration of President Mugabe at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Chiefs Council President, Chief Fortune Charumbira said traditional leaders rally behind President Mugabe because he is not only principled but has remained resolute even in the face of vilification by western forces.

"We have a principled leader who has remained steadfast even when he was under attack by the west and other forces," said Chief Charumbira.

The Deputy President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo and Chief Chiduku said now that President Mugabe has been sworn in, his government should forge ahead with programmes for the empowerment of the "We are happy with this event and we are saying as traditional leaders, we want the President and his government to implement people driven policies and programmes," he said.

Empowerment through indigenisation was the bedrock on which the Zanu PF election campaign was premised.

Chiefs are critical conduits of implementing such government policies in rural communities.

Meanwhile, church leaders who attended the inauguration ceremony have called on foreign countries to learn from Zimbabwe's peaceful elections and respect the will of the people.

The chairman of the Faith for the Nation Campaign, Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe commended President Mugabe for his good leadership qualities that saw the country holding credible, peaceful, free and fair elections.

He said it is important for foreign countries to respect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

The Anglican Church leader, Bishop Chad Gandiya said the church is happy with the peaceful elections and will continue to pray for peace in the country as it has always done before.

He said the inauguration should mark prosperity and peaceful co-existence of all Zimbabweans throughout the country.

Pentecostal Assembly of Zimbabwe bishops: Trevor Manhanga and Rev Jengeta Jengeta concurred that the massive turnout for the inauguration is befitting as President Mugabe is a great icon who has shown the world and the region at large how elections are held.

President Mugabe was inaugurated on Thursday at a colourful ceremony held at the National Sports Stadium.