Moffat Mungazi
Rodgers Irimayi
Cultural Perspectives
THERE are certain complex and sticking key issues when focusing on the relationship between traditional leaders and ward councillors, and their roles in serving communities in Zimbabwe.
Conflict between these two institutions usually emanates from their sources of power.
Traditional leaders derive their authority from cultural heritage, while councillors gain theirs through the electoral processes, and this divergence can lead to disputes over who has legitimate power in decision-making for the community.
If the existing contentious issues are not addressed, these power struggles threaten the traditional governance system and the modern democratic institutions.
It is crucial to resolve the quagmire between traditional leaders and ward councillors in Zimbabwe in order to promote unity and respect for roles assigned to these powerful institutions.
It is important to note that the roles of traditional leaders and ward councillors differ significantly in terms of their responsibilities, powers, and areas of focus.
I will just sum up the key roles of traditional leaders that I have already highlighted in previous articles.
These leaders play a critical role in promoting cultural heritage and traditional practices.
They participate in development programmes and policies at the local level, and also facilitate cooperation between traditional communities and Government institutions.
Traditional leaders focus more on promoting the interests of their communities which include administering traditional practices according to inherited custom and tradition such as the rain ceremony ‘‘mabira’’ or ‘‘mukwerera’’.
They often address local disputes, mediate conflicts, and provide guidance on customary law. Their decisions are typically based on tradition rather than formal legal frameworks.
On the other hand, ward councillors as elected representatives of the people, are responsible for making decisions on behalf of their constituents.
Their authority is derived from formal electoral processes under statutory law. They focus on providing services such as water, sanitation, and infrastructure development which include the need for roads, clinic, schools, community halls, youth development centres and many others.
Councillors participate in legislative functions at the Local Government level in council meetings where they create policies, allocate budgets, and make decisions that affect community development projects.
They submit their proposed budgets to Central Government for approval. Elected councillors are accountable to their constituents, they are entitled to report back to voters about decisions made during their tenure as public officials.
While traditional leaders focus on promoting cultural heritage and traditional practices, councillors are responsible for providing municipal services and promoting democratic governance.
Traditional leaders focus on culture and community cohesion, while councillors emphasize governance through policy-making, and they operate within different frameworks of authority with distinct responsibilities.
However, there are areas of overlap where traditional leaders also play a significant role in local governance structures, but operate primarily within the confines of customary laws rather than statutory laws.
They are also crucial in supporting Local Government initiatives and promoting development in their communities.
Councillors operate within a party-political environment where party affiliation can influence decision-making processes, unlike traditional leaders who maintain neutrality regarding political parties due to their cultural roles.
Traditional leaders do not hold official political office or legislative power like the ward councillors.
Traditional leaders often handle conflicts based on customary law, which might clash with formal legal processes advocated by elected councillors. Disputes may arise over whose resolution methods should prevail in a given situation.
Since ward councillors often represent political parties which may not align with the views or interests of traditional leaders or their communities, this divergence can create tension during election periods as well as subsequent policy discussions.
There could be disagreements on priorities where traditional leaders emphasise cultural preservation while councillors push for modern development initiatives that might not align with those traditions.
Although councillors are responsible for budgeting and resource allocation for community projects, traditional leaders may feel sidelined or inadequately consulted in decisions that affect their communities’ welfare.
Traditional leaders may feel excluded from key decision-making processes led by councillors regarding community development plans that they believe should involve them more significantly due to their local insights.
Here are some of the strategies that can be effective in reducing conflict among traditional leaders and councillors.
In order to resolve and avoid conflicts and disagreements, there is need for open communication. Establishing clear and open lines of communication helps to prevent misunderstandings.
Regular meetings with community members can provide a platform for discussing issues before they escalate.
There is also need for community engagement where the community is involved in decision-making processes as this fosters a sense of ownership and reduces resistance to new policies or changes.
However, whenever conflicts arise, proper conflict resolution mechanisms should be followed. It is imperative to implement formal mechanisms for resolving disputes, such as mediation or arbitration as this can address issues before they develop into larger conflicts.
Cultural sensitivity should be taken into consideration in order to avoid conflict. Understanding and respecting cultural norms and values within the community helps leaders navigate sensitive issues more effectively.
There is also need to collaboration with some stakeholders within the community. Building partnerships with other local leaders, organisations, and Government entities can create a unified front on common issues, reducing the likelihood of conflict. Government can also hold educational and awareness campaigns informing the communities about rights, responsibilities, and available resources as this helps reduce tensions over misunderstandings or misinformation.
It is essential to set clear boundaries with clearly defined roles within leadership structures in order to minimise overlap that could lead to rivalry or disputes among councilors or traditional leaders themselves.
The leaders themselves should practice transparency in governance as being transparent about decision-making processes builds trust within the community, making it less likely for conflicts to arise from perceived favouritism or corruption.
A call for regular training workshops which provides training on conflict resolution skills for both traditional leaders and councillors ensures they are equipped to handle disputes effectively when they arise.
Promoting social cohesion initiatives through organised events that celebrate unity among diverse groups within the community encourages positive interactions that build relationships over time.
Communities used to celebrate ‘‘jenaguru’’ which brought villagers together during nights of full moon.
The interplay between the roles of traditional leadership and elected ward councillors remains complex as they face challenges stemming from overlapping jurisdictions, competing priorities, and differing methods of governance.
However, implementing the conflict resolution strategies highlighted above can effectively address any potential conflicts that may arise within their communities.
Views from Readers:
Reader 1: This is a very educational column, I can’t miss it
Reader 2: Traditional leadership should not delve into politics, vanotsva
Reader 3: Let the Government come up with traditional boundary maps, this helps to solve problems of jurisdiction. Nyaya yemiganhu yanetsa
Rodgers Irimayi is the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Masvingo Provincial Information Officer. He writes in his personal capacity and can be contacted on +263778246098 or rodgersirimayi@gmail.com
