Zimbabwe army chief warns infrastructure saboteurs

Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi has warned that vandalism of public infrastructure could derail the country's Vision 2030 development agenda, urging traditional leaders and the military to unite in protecting national assets.

Speaking at the Mashonaland West Traditional Leaders Day commemorations held at Chief Neuso's homestead in Sanyati last Friday, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the destruction of infrastructure was undermining Government efforts to improve the country's roads and other public facilities.

He cited the vandalism of road safety infrastructure, including reflectors installed to protect motorists, as an example of behaviour that frustrates development initiatives.

"The Government led by President Mnangagwa has been pushing development, including construction of the Sanyati Road, but unfortunately you find someone plucking out the reflectors aimed at improving safety, like what we saw on the Harare-Beitbridge highway," he said.

"We have elements that are anti-development."

Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi likened vandalism to stealing bricks from a house under construction, saying such acts reverse progress and waste resources invested in national development.

"We cannot have a situation where the President is building day and night only to have someone come and steal the bricks. A house that was at window level regresses to foundation level," he said.

"Vision 2030 cannot be achieved if we destroy what we have built."

He said traditional leaders had an important role in mobilising communities to protect public infrastructure, preserve national values and support development programmes.

The army commander described the partnership between the military and traditional leaders as essential to national stability, drawing parallels with the liberation struggle, during which chiefs provided spiritual and community leadership.

The commemorations, held under the theme, "Preserving Culture for Nation Building and Sustainable Development", provided a platform for traditional leaders and the military to strengthen their cooperation and discuss challenges affecting communities.

Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said chiefs remained central to preserving Zimbabwean culture, promoting respect for the country's heritage and teaching communities to value their land.

He also urged political parties across the political spectrum to promote cultural preservation and national values, stressing that the responsibility was not confined to Zanu-PF.

"This is not about Zanu-PF only but every political player should give attention to it," he said.

On maintaining law and order, he said communities, traditional leaders, police and other authorities had a shared responsibility to discourage destructive behaviour and encourage responsible conduct.

He also called on Government officials, institutions and individuals to value time, warning that delays in implementing programmes could impede development.

The army chief said traditional leaders and the military complemented each other, with chiefs playing a vital role in guiding communities and resolving disputes, including disagreements over traditional boundaries.

"No enemy can destabilise the country if traditional leaders and their army are united and collaborate," he said.

He reaffirmed the Zimbabwe National Army's commitment to working with traditional leaders to advance national development and help communities contribute towards Vision 2030.

During the event, Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi also led a minute of silence in honour of victims of the MV Rida Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on Lake Kariba on August 11.

He commended soldiers involved in the recovery operation, particularly the Boat Regiment led by Lieutenant-Colonel Muchechesi, for working under difficult weather conditions.

"We would like to commend our soldiers, particularly the Boat Regiment led by Lieutenant Colonel Muchechesi, for a job well done in leading the recovery of nearly 100 bodies in Lake Kariba under difficult weather conditions," he said.

A total of 97 bodies were recovered from the lake.

Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and traditional leaders in Mashonaland West.

He also thanked the corporate sector for supporting the commemorations and commended Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo for her role in promoting provincial unity and development.

As part of the traditional proceedings, chiefs received a calabash of homemade brew and snuff.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation provincial chairman Timothy Chizuzu praised traditional leaders and the army for helping to maintain a safe and peaceful environment for mining activities.

Chief Ngezi also hailed the partnership between the military and traditional leaders, describing it as important for promoting development.

The host, Chief Neuso, said rotating the venues for the annual commemorations had helped spread development across the country.

At least 27 of Mashonaland West's 32 chiefs attended the event.