Chief Nechombo Salutes First Lady for Inspiring Youths to Embrace Culture
By Dickson Bandera
Senator Chief Nechombo has commended First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for inspiring young people to embrace Zimbabwean culture, preserve their heritage and uphold traditional values through various empowerment and social development programmes.
Speaking at the official launch of a novel “Zvamuri Ndaimbova, Zvandiri Muchazova”, written by Josiah Muchada’s at Heritage Village in Harare on Saturday, Chief Nechombo said the First Lady’s initiatives were helping to guide young people, strengthen families and preserve the country’s cultural identity.
“As custodians of our culture and traditions, we recognise and commend the work being undertaken by our First Lady through the Angel of Hope Foundation and the various empowerment and social development programmes she champions,” he said.
“Initiatives such as Nhanga, Gota and Ixhiba, Nharirire yeMusha, Not in My Village, and the Amai’s Traditional Cook Out Competition have contributed to empowering women, guiding young people, preserving our cultural heritage and strengthening families.”
The launch attracted more than 2,000 students, teachers and lecturers from primary secondary and tertiary institutions who gathered at the Heritage Village to celebrate Muchada’s literary achievement.
Chief Nechombo said traditional leaders valued programmes that encouraged responsible behaviour, protected children and promoted unity within families and communities.
“As traditional leaders, we particularly appreciate initiatives that promote responsible behaviour, protect children, discourage child marriages, empower communities and encourage families to uphold the values of love, respect, discipline and unity,” he said.
He said Muchada’s book, Zvamuri Ndaimbova, Zvandiri, Muchazova, reflected values championed by the First Lady, particularly the need to guide young people, protect children and address social challenges affecting communities.
“Amai, the book we are celebrating today speaks to many of the values you have consistently championed. It reflects the importance of guiding our young people, protecting children and addressing social challenges that threaten the well-being of our families and communities,” he said.
Chief Nechombo said the book launch was also an opportunity to celebrate the importance of cultural preservation, youth empowerment and the protection of children.
“We are therefore not merely witnessing the launch of a book. We are also celebrating the values that you continue to encourage among our people: respect for our culture, the protection of children, the empowerment of young people and the preservation of our national identity,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of traditional leaders to working with the First Lady in promoting family values and building responsible communities.
“We stand with you in this important work. We join you in celebrating Josiah’s achievement and commend your continued efforts to encourage our young people to become responsible citizens who respect their heritage and contribute positively to society,” Chief Nechombo said.
The chief also called on traditional leaders to ensure that cultural preservation was accompanied by practical measures to protect children and eliminate harmful practices.
“Our culture teaches us respect, responsibility, discipline, family unity and care for one another. Harmful practices such as child marriage, drug abuse and gender-based violence have no place in the communities we aspire to build,” he said.
He urged communities to embrace the Not in My Village campaign and take collective responsibility for confronting practices that threaten the well-being of children and families.
“Our message must be clear and uncompromising: no child marriage in my community; no drug abuse in my community; no gender-based violence in my community; and no corruption in my community,” he said.
Chief Nechombo said traditional leaders must work with parents, schools, churches, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and young people to translate cultural values into action.
“We must also distinguish between genuine cultural values and harmful practices that may be wrongly defended in the name of tradition. Our heritage must be preserved in ways that protect children, promote education, uphold human dignity and secure a better future for generations to come,” he said.
The book launch was attended by traditional leaders, Government representatives, religious and community leaders, parents, teachers and other invited guests.
