The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South Province, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, today held a thanksgiving meeting with traditional leaders in Beitbridge West under Chief Tshitaudze, expressing sincere appreciation for their unwavering support and guidance in his leadership journey.

Addressing chiefs, headmen and village heads, Honourable Nguluvhe acknowledged the critical role played by traditional leadership in fostering community cohesion and contributing to his recognition at national level. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to inclusive development and open engagement with all community stakeholders.

The Minister emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect, and adherence to traditional leadership structures, urging village heads to respect headmen and headmen to respect chiefs. He further called on leaders to exercise due diligence in land allocation processes and strongly discouraged illegal land sales.

Honourable Nguluvhe highlighted the need to safeguard land for future generations and raised concern over the increase in early child marriages in the district, warning that those involved will face the full force of the law.

He encouraged traditional leaders to maintain accurate community records and convene regular meetings to effectively address local challenges. The Minister also commended the leaders for their continued support towards the attainment of Vision 2030.

During the event, the Cross Borders for Economic Development (Matabeleland South Chapter) donated food hampers to traditional leaders as a gesture of appreciation and in support of efforts to address food insecurity in the region.

In a further boost to rural development, the Youth Member of Parliament for Matabeleland South, Honourable Tinashe Mushipe, donated Starlink internet kits to traditional leaders, including Chief Tshitaudze and Chief Matibe. He pledged to cover a 12-month subscription for the services and announced plans to extend the initiative to all chiefs in the district, as well as selected headmen.

The improved internet connectivity is expected to enhance communication, information access, and coordination of development programmes within rural communities.

Additionally, Honourable Mushipe launched a youth empowerment initiative, committing to fully sponsor two young people from Beitbridge to attend vocational training, with further expansion plans in the pipeline.

Honourable Nguluvhe also provided updates on preparations for the upcoming Independence celebrations and reaffirmed that his office remains open and accessible to all residents of Matabeleland South.