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Chief Khumalo bemoans govt neglect of chiefs
18 Nov 2024 at 16:04hrs | Views
Council of Chiefs President, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, has expressed deep concerns over the government's lack of support for the country's traditional leaders, particularly in the performance of their duties.
Speaking at the Local Government and Public Works strategic planning workshop last week, Khumalo criticized the government for failing to adequately support chiefs and their offices. He called on the government to build proper offices for traditional leaders, noting that the current lack of infrastructure has hampered their ability to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
"The monies come in late, and when they do, it is only meagre amounts," Khumalo said, highlighting the financial struggles faced by traditional leaders. He also pointed out the neglect of their vehicles, which are often not serviced, making it difficult for them to attend meetings and fulfill their duties.
Khumalo revealed that some provinces have been unable to hold statutory meetings due to withheld funds, with four provinces reportedly unable to convene meetings as required. This lack of financial support, he emphasized, is affecting the functioning of traditional leadership across the country.
However, Khumalo did acknowledge a positive development, praising the government for making efforts to streamline the payment of village heads by using banks instead of requiring them to line up at District Development Coordinators' offices.
His comments come at a time when there has been growing public concern over the government's allocation of resources, particularly its focus on providing traditional leaders with luxury vehicles while millions of Zimbabweans face hunger and inadequate access to basic services. Critics argue that these funds could be better spent on improving the country's crumbling health services or addressing the broader issues of poor service delivery in government institutions.
Khumalo's remarks underscore the frustration felt by many traditional leaders, who continue to face challenges in performing their duties effectively due to inadequate government support.
Speaking at the Local Government and Public Works strategic planning workshop last week, Khumalo criticized the government for failing to adequately support chiefs and their offices. He called on the government to build proper offices for traditional leaders, noting that the current lack of infrastructure has hampered their ability to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
"The monies come in late, and when they do, it is only meagre amounts," Khumalo said, highlighting the financial struggles faced by traditional leaders. He also pointed out the neglect of their vehicles, which are often not serviced, making it difficult for them to attend meetings and fulfill their duties.
However, Khumalo did acknowledge a positive development, praising the government for making efforts to streamline the payment of village heads by using banks instead of requiring them to line up at District Development Coordinators' offices.
His comments come at a time when there has been growing public concern over the government's allocation of resources, particularly its focus on providing traditional leaders with luxury vehicles while millions of Zimbabweans face hunger and inadequate access to basic services. Critics argue that these funds could be better spent on improving the country's crumbling health services or addressing the broader issues of poor service delivery in government institutions.
Khumalo's remarks underscore the frustration felt by many traditional leaders, who continue to face challenges in performing their duties effectively due to inadequate government support.
Source - southern eye
