The Government says villagers are not forced to work on Zunde raMambo fields, insisting that any labour is offered voluntarily and based on agreed arrangements between the chief and his subjects.
The clarification comes after Chief Gutu, born Lawrence Chigariro, reportedly imposed a US$10 levy on every village head — a move that could see him collect up to US$10,000, which critics say he will not account for.
In written responses to questions from Masvingo Mirror, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works spokesperson Gabriel Musvora said:
“The chief or headman is expected to initiate the programme by setting aside land, supervising tillage and storage of the grain, while communities mainly contribute through communal labour voluntarily.”
Musvora added that any activities under Zunde raMambo must arise from discussions and mutual agreement between the chief and his people. He said:
“Government is not directly involved in the management of the programme. It is the preserve of the traditional leader and the community to discuss and agree on how they can manage and distribute the grain within their areas.”
Musvora said Zunde raMambo is a traditional, community-based initiative designed to support vulnerable members of society through collective effort.
He explained that the programme stems from long-standing cultural practices where communities worked together to care for orphans, the elderly and households hit by drought.
In Chief Gutu’s case, however, even headmen were reportedly taken aback last week when the levy was announced.
Some complained that they can’t keep levying villagers when most of them are failing to pay school fees for their children.
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