First Lady spearheads historic cultural preservation drive with Mash East chiefs

Blessings Chidakwa

Herald Reporter

CULTURE and heritage Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa on Saturday spearheaded a historic cultural preservation initiative, where a traditional Dare was set up, allowing chiefs to preside over court sessions, while members of the public observed and interacted openly.

In a unique effort to tackle social ills tearing communities apart, the vibrant and first-of-its-kind engagement began in Mashonaland East province, hosted at Chief Chinamhora’s homestead and attended by multitudes.

The traditional court or Dare, was held in a truly Zimbabwean setting of indigenous systems of justice and moral guidance.

Several pressing societal issues were brought before the court, including the decline of Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba sessions, child marriages, drug and substance abuse, incest where fathers-in-law pursue relationships with their daughters-in-law, witchcraft, infidelity and marital breakdowns.

Among the cases heard were two notable ones: a child marriage incident and a land dispute.

In the first case, a father reported that his 17-year-old daughter (name withheld) had been impregnated by her boyfriend, who initially denied responsibility before eventually admitting it in court.

The young couple admitted to having been intimate on Christmas Day in the mountains of Goromonzi.

Chief Chinamhora ruled that the matter should be handed over to law enforcement authorities, as the girl is underage and requires official investigation.

He also addressed the issue of parenting, noting that both the mother and father must take shared responsibility for their children’s upbringing, instead of blaming one another.

The second case involved a land dispute.

A widow, Theresa Mutanhaurwa, had sold State land for US$1 500 to Alfred Chikore Mandaza, but received only US$1 000.

When the buyer failed to pay the outstanding US$500, the widow reclaimed part of the land and resold it.

Chief Chinamhora fined the widow two beasts, but showed leniency, warning her not to repeat the offence.

The buyer, Chikore, who hails from Chihota, was advised to return to his rural home.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to interact directly with chiefs, including Nechombo, Chikwaka, Chikomba, Neshangwe, Chihota and Mudzimurema, along with numerous headmen and village heads from across the province.

A girl, Tinotenda Chigweremba, openly aired her view, saying parents are contributing to their wayward behaviour, as they are the ones purchasing their miniskirts, with some even expecting them to bring money and goodies such as sugar from boyfriends.

A boy, Kupakwashe Nyamutowa, also said the elderly, who should be their role models, are the ones proposing love to them and there is nothing they are learning from such people.

Mrs Clara Mangwende asked the chiefs what happens when a man brings a concubine into their matrimonial bed.

Chief Chinamhora said it was taboo, as the only moral way for a woman to be accepted into a family was through marriage, even in a polygamous setup.

Mr Edmora Nhanda Nyamutowa also asked about the role being played by traditional leaders in the fight against drug and substance abuse, as some men are coming home drunk and assaulting their spouses.

Wives of the traditional leaders also voiced concern over the moral decline in society, offering heartfelt guidance and urging communities to return to their cultural values. In her benevolence, the First Lady, who was warmly welcomed, donated blankets and groceries to the elderly and people with disabilities.

Culture and Heritage Ambassador Dr Mnangagwa emphasised that, as custodians of culture and tradition, chiefs play a more active role in guiding families, reviving lost customs and restoring pride in indigenous knowledge systems.

“What has brought me here is a deep concern over the erosion of our culture and customs.

“Our heritage is fading, and we must act before it’s lost forever.”

“Chiefs, let us work more together, as I will be visiting each chief’s homestead, sharing and listening to how you give rulings on different issues,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa said traditional leaders play a leading role in restoring Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba sessions sacred spaces where boys and girls were taught life skills and values.

Culture and Heritage Ambassador Dr Mnangagwa said she has been receiving several reports on incest and infidelity among married couples through her GBV (gender-based violence) toll-free number, where most women decried a lack of respect from their husbands, who bring their concubines into their matrimonial homes.

“I receive heartbreaking calls every day from women crying that their husbands bring prostitutes home, forcing them to sleep on the floor while strangers sleep in their matrimonial bed. What has become of our moral compass as a society?”

“We now hear of fathers dating their in-laws – a taboo that was once unthinkable. These acts are destroying the moral fabric of our nation,” she said.

Dr Mnangagwa also said society is under siege due to drug and substance abuse, with mutoriro, tumbwa and guka tearing families apart and killing the future of the youth.

The First Lady also castigated parental negligence in child welfare.

“It is disheartening to hear cases where a father is the one to notice a child’s pregnancy. Where was the mother? We must be present and involved in our children’s lives.

“Some of our girls are being sexually abused in their own homes. What kind of society are we becoming when a father admires how his daughter is developing? This is horrifying and must end,” she said.

The Culture and Heritage Ambassador said witchcraft has also poisoned society, saying that instead of unity, people now live in suspicion, pointing fingers at one another, tearing apart families and communities.

Chief Chinhamora hailed the First Lady’s initiative as a turning point in how Zimbabwe honours its culture.

He pledged his full support and urged fellow traditional leaders across all provinces to embrace the programme and ensure its success.

“We promise to strengthen our efforts in fighting social ills such as child marriages. Together with my fellow traditional leaders, we shall do our best to uphold and preserve our culture and traditions,” he said.

Chief Chikwaka said that, as custodians of culture, they will continue to work with the First Lady for standing firm in promoting and safeguarding cultural values.

Chief Nechombo said Dr Mnangagwa’s passion for cultural preservation was unmatched.

The wives of Chiefs Chinhamora and Seke also condemned promiscuity, saying it was tearing apart family structures.

They further denounced the scourge of drug and substance abuse, which they said was destroying the future of young people.

Following the court proceedings, attendees were served a variety of traditional dishes, including sadza rezviyo, mhunga, roadrunner (free-range chicken), madora (mopane worms) and muriwo unedovi (vegetables with peanut butter), among others.

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