Binga- Member of Parliament for Binga South, Fanuel Cumanzala, has called for stronger safeguards to ensure the political neutrality of traditional leaders, arguing that partisan involvement by chiefs, headmen and village heads threatens social cohesion in rural communities, particularly in the Zambezi Valley.

Speaking in an interview following parliamentary deliberations on CAB 3, Cumanzala said traditional leaders occupy a unique position in society and must remain above party politics if they are to effectively serve their communities.

“Traditional leaders are custodians of our culture, our land and our communal values. Their authority comes from the people, not from political parties,” said Cumanzala.

“If they become active participants in partisan politics, they risk undermining the trust and respect that communities have placed in them for generations.”

The legislator said the issue is particularly important in Binga and other parts of the Zambezi Valley where communities rely heavily on social cohesion and collective action to address development challenges.

“Our communities share water sources, grazing land, farming activities and cultural practices. We survive because we work together. When traditional leaders are perceived to favour one political party over another, divisions emerge and the social fabric that holds communities together begins to weaken.”

Cumanzala warned that political polarisation within traditional institutions could create tensions among villagers and discourage citizens from participating freely in community affairs.

“A chief should be a chief for everyone. A village head should represent all villagers regardless of their political affiliation. People should not feel excluded from development programmes or community decision-making because of their political beliefs.”

The Binga South MP also linked the debate to the historical experiences of the Tonga people, who were displaced during the construction of the Kariba Dam and continue to face significant development deficits decades later.

“The Tonga people have endured historical injustices and underdevelopment. We are still fighting for adequate schools, roads, clinics, clean water and economic opportunities.

Our focus should be on development and unity, not on importing political divisions into traditional structures.”

According to Cumanzala, traditional leaders should play a leading role in mobilising communities around development priorities rather than partisan interests.

“We need traditional leaders who champion education, healthcare, water infrastructure, climate resilience and economic empowerment. Their role should be to bring people together to solve common problems, not to deepen political divisions.”

The MP said CAB 3 presents an opportunity for Parliament to strengthen constitutional principles relating to traditional leadership.

“The Constitution envisages traditional leaders as non-partisan institutions. Parliament must ensure that this principle is protected and enforced.

Political neutrality is not about silencing traditional leaders; it is about preserving their legitimacy and ensuring that every citizen receives fair treatment.”

Cumanzala concluded by stressing that social cohesion remains essential for the future development of the Zambezi Valley.

“For communities like Binga, unity is not optional. It is the foundation upon which development is built. Traditional leaders must remain symbols of unity, fairness and community service. Once they become identified with political parties, everyone loses – including the institution of traditional leadership itself.”

The debate on CAB 3 is expected to continue as legislators examine measures aimed at strengthening governance frameworks and safeguarding constitutional principles across Zimbabwe’s traditional leadership structures.