In Zimbabwe, traditional leaders are increasingly coming under scrutiny for their alleged roles as conduits of corruption and human rights abuses, closely linked with the ruling Zanu PF party. This unsettling trend was highlighted in a comprehensive report by Heal Zimbabwe Trust (HZT), which accuses these authorities of exploiting their positions for political and personal gain, thereby undermining the principles of culture, development, and democracy in the country.
Titled “Traditional Leaders in Zimbabwe: Balancing Culture, Development and Democracy,” the report elucidates a worrying conflation between the ruling party/military elite and traditional leadership, which predominantly governs rural communities. This conflation, according to HZT, facilitates Zanu PF’s patronage, predatory, and clientelistic capture of the political landscape, particularly evident during electoral processes. Such practices not only compromise the integrity of traditional leadership but also erode the democratic fabric of Zimbabwean society.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent actions, including gifting 100 chiefs with Isuzu double-cab vehicles, have sparked controversy and allegations of prioritizing political patronage over the nation’s pressing needs. This gesture, amidst public outcry over misallocated resources, illustrates the depth of the entanglement between the state and traditional authorities, raising concerns over governance and ethical standards.
The report by HZT sheds light on several distressing practices among some traditional leaders. Allegations include demanding bribes from villagers for access to basic services such as water, health, and education. Furthermore, instances of power abuse, rights violations, discrimination, forced evictions, torture, and even murder of opposition supporters or dissenters have been reported. Such actions starkly contravene their constitutional mandates and betray the trust of the communities they are meant to serve.
Moreover, the involvement of traditional leaders in political campaigns, particularly in support of the ruling party, exemplifies a significant conflict of interest. Their positions have been leveraged to threaten, mobilize, and intimidate, especially in rural areas where their influence is substantial. In return, these leaders receive various incentives from the ruling party, including allowances, vehicles, farms, and positions, essentially co-opting them into a cycle of loyalty and support that undermines democratic principles and human rights.
The implications of these practices are profound, affecting the allocation of land, dispute resolution, and social welfare. The institution of traditional leadership, as depicted in the HZT report, appears compromised, operating in violation of the Constitution, electoral act, and traditional leaders act. Such conduct not only disempowers citizens but also destabilizes the social and political equilibrium of rural communities, where traditional leaders play a pivotal role.
In response to these alarming findings, HZT recommends that the Traditional Leaders Act be realigned with the Constitution. This realignment is crucial for strengthening the constitutional framework, monitoring the conduct of traditional leaders, and ensuring their adherence to impartiality, transparency, and respect for human rights. Such measures are essential for restoring the integrity and credibility of traditional leadership in Zimbabwe.
Attempts to secure comments from the National Chief’s Council president Mtshane Khumalo were unsuccessful, highlighting the challenges in addressing these issues. Meanwhile, Zanu PF director of information Farai Marapira dismissed the accusations as baseless and slanderous, defending the respect for traditions and their custodians as integral to Zimbabwean culture and not indicative of corruption or human rights abuses.
The spotlight on traditional leaders accounting for a significant portion of the country’s human rights violations underscores the urgent need for reforms. Civil society organizations have been pivotal in tracking and exposing these abuses, advocating for accountability, and promoting the rule of law. As Zimbabwe grapples with these challenges, the role of traditional leaders remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader struggles over governance, democracy, and human rights in the country.
In conclusion, the allegations against traditional leaders in Zimbabwe highlight a critical junction for the nation. The intertwining of political patronage and traditional authority poses significant challenges to democracy, human rights, and development. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort to realign traditional leadership with constitutional mandates, ensuring that these pillars of society truly serve the communities they represent. The journey towards balancing culture, development, and democracy in Zimbabwe is complex but essential for the nation’s future.
Source: Newsday
