By Regina Pasipanodya Zimbabwe has embarked on a pivotal legislative journey to refine and modernise the institution of traditional leadership, with government, chiefs, and legal stakeholders gathered in a crucial workshop aimed at shaping a robust and responsive Traditional Leadership Bill. The process seeks not only to update legal frameworks but also to honour ancestral heritage, strengthen community governance, and position traditional leadership as a strategic pillar in the country’s development trajectory toward Vision 2030. In his opening remarks, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon Daniel Garwe, emphasised that traditional leadership in Zimbabwe is not a symbolic formality nor a courtesy structure; it is an institution deeply embedded in the Constitution. “This process is not merely administrative,” the keynote address highlighted; “it is foundational to preserving our cultural heritage and enhancing community leadership structures aligned with our national development aspirations, particularly that of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030.” Traditional Leaders: Custodians of Culture, Agents of Modern DevelopmentHon. Garwe added that for generations, traditional leaders have provided governance at the most intimate level within villages, wards, and districts. They are custodians of cultural values, spiritual heritage, identity, and historical continuity. Their roles span conflict resolution, community mobilization, environmental conservation, social cohesion, and support of government development programs. “In our rural provinces, chiefs, headmen, and village heads remain the most trusted centres of authority,” Minister Garwe noted. Their proximity to the people enables swift resolution of disputes, sustains community harmony, and supports national policy rollout from climate change mitigation programmes to agricultural transformation and land stewardship. With increasing global interest in safeguarding indigenous knowledge and cultural systems, the timing of this legislative review is crucial. Zimbabwe seeks to create a bill that honors tradition while embracing the evolving context of governance, technology, and modern community expectation. A Mandate Anchored in the Constitution Hon Garwe reiterated its commitment to fully aligning the bill with the Constitution and the lived realities of traditional leaders. The workshop presents an opportunity to address long-standing concerns about recognition, remuneration, gender inclusion, roles, and administrative support systems. Key issues highlighted for interrogation within the bill include:Appointment processes for traditional leaders Ethical leadership and accountability systems Dispute resolution frameworksFinancial and administrative support The interface between traditional and elected leadership Land, culture, and natural resource management roles Rural transformation and devolution responsibilities Participants were encouraged to speak openly and boldly without restraint on expectations and challenges. Previous statements from the National Council of Chiefs reflected frustrations that traditional leaders are not fully recognized within mainstream governance. The bill, stakeholders agreed, must address these gaps with honesty and legislative precision. The Bill and Vision 2030: Leadership as a Development Accelerant He revealed that the government made clear that strengthening traditional leadership is not separate from national development—it is central to it. A well-structured traditional governance system supports: Economic empowerment Environmental stewardshipCultural tourism opportunities Community-led resource governanceDisaster preparedness Peacebuilding and youth inclusionRural areas home to over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population depend heavily on traditional governance. As such, the modernization of this institution is seen as critical to achieving Vision 2030, especially under the themes of rural industrialization, inclusive participation, and climate resilience. Reparations: A Historical ImperativeA powerful and emotive component of the workshop centred on reparations for colonial injustice. With Zimbabwe’s traditional leadership at the forefront of discussions on artefacts, mineral heritage, and stolen resources, the gathering called for the bill to reflect provisions that support national and continental advocacy for reparatory justice. “For 400 years we were subjected to brutal colonisation,” Hon Garwe stated, recalling the loss of life, land, dignity, and cultural assets. He highlighted that repatriation of human remains, cultural objects, and wealth extracted without consent has become a global movement, with African countries increasingly demanding recognition and compensation. Zimbabwe positions itself within this wave and sees traditional leadership as the rightful voice in this dialogue. Toward a Draft Bill That Speaks to Zimbabwe The workshop’s goal is to produce a clear, informed, and culturally grounded draft bill that respects tradition while adapting to new governance realities. The government expressed confidence that dialogue among stakeholders—including the National Council of Chiefs, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ministry—would yield a forward-thinking and representative outcome. “A bill that honours tradition while adapting to modern governance realities” was the guiding vision. “A bill that reinforces the dignity and responsibility of traditional leadership in the service of national development.” Post navigation Chiefs Council President Calls for Modern, Inclusive Legislation to Strengthen Traditional Leadership Airwaves Open Up: Zimbabwe Grants Six New Community Radio Licences