Government has called on the newly installed Chief Chibesakunda of the Bisa people of Shiwang’andu District of Muchinga Province to look into the affairs of the Chiefdom with dignity and fairness as he will now be providing governance to his subjects.
Muchinga Province Minister, Njavwa Simutowe, says by doing so, the chief will help to restore peace and unity among the people in the area.
The media reports that the Provincial Minister made this call during the handover of the instrument of power to Sylvester Kapeso, the newly installed Chief Chibesakunda of the Bisa people at the Chief’s residence.
Mr Mutowe further charged that there is a need for the Zambian citizens to embrace cultural events as they not only unify people but also remind each individual of the customs, norms and traditions.
He said culture is an important ingredient that defines humanity, adding that it is through such occasions that citizens socialise by giving respect and honour to the leaders.
“This event we are witnessing today is very important because the role of traditional leaders in national governance is very critical, it does not only present a rare beacon of identity but also unity and peace which are key in any society,” he said.
Mr Simutowe added that it is for this reason that the institution of chieftaincy has been held esteem by the government as it promotes peace and unity as stated in the motto “One Zambia One Nation”.
He said he is confident that the now Chief Chibesakunda will collaborate with the government of the day to foster development to the chiefdom in many sectors.
Mr Mutowe also called on the traditional leader to utilise the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), noting that it is through such initiatives that development in education, health, infrastructure and the general welfare of the people of Chibesakunda and Shiwang’andu can be fully realised.
Speaking earlier, Chief Chibesakunda, who spoke through his representative, Mutambe Royal Establishment Secretary, Friday Kashiwa, thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for consistently encouraging traditional leaders to settle disputes within their chiefdoms.
He stated that the advice by the President has yielded positive results to the people of Shiwang’andu which has brought about his installation as Chief Chibesakunda.
The traditional leader further pledged his support to the chiefdom and government in bringing development to his chiefdom.
“May I also take this time to thank government for the many empowerment programmes implemented in the area, and I wish to continue with such for the development of this area,” he said.
And Shiwang’andu Council Chairperson, Simon Bwali, said the installation of Chief Chibesakunda will greatly enrich the deliberations during the council meetings and ensure that the voices of the people of Chibesakunda on matters that concern their welfare and development are heard.
Mr Bwali said with the many empowerment programmes being implemented under CDF, the area through the new chief’s voice will also benefit and change its face.
He further wished the traditional leader well as he starts his new assignment in the chiefdom.
The ceremony which was attended by government officials, village head men and women as well as community members was characterised by various traditional dances.
