In a developmental movement for nation building, six traditional leaders and their subjects jointly celebrated Easter by holding a crime awareness event on Friday. The traditional leaders also shared ideas on good governance, poverty alleviation projects and nation building initiatives.

The annual event is now in its fourth year and it is held on a rotating basis in the respective traditional leader’s palaces. This year’s function took place at Makonde village, next to the Nwali sacred cave.

Khosi Vho-Vhalinawe Masakona Rasikhuthuma of Hamasakona, Khosi Vho-Ravele Davhana of Ha-Davhana, Musanda Vho-Azwianewi Ravhura of Makonde, Musanda Vho-Gumani Rammbuda of Vondwe, Musanda Vho-Ratshalingwa Ramugondo of Ngudza and Musanda Vho-Madzhadzhi Bohwana of Tshaulu and their subjects spent the long, but entertaining, day with their subjects in a bid to improve the lives of their mostly indigent subjects.

Khosi Masakona Rasikhuthuma told hundreds of loyal subjects that there is a need to establish a good relationship between traditional healers and their subjects for community development. He said good governance is about taking care of the poor and initiating job-creation projects. “You only acquire knowledge through learning and that is why we recommend that traditional leaders and their subjects assist one another with knowledge for nation building. Unity, respect and togetherness will help us overcome stumbling blocks for nation development. If we are not united, we obviously open a way for our enemies to divide us.”

Khosi Rasikhuthuma warned community members not to engage themselves in substance abuse and unprotected sex. “Drug and substance abuse only destroy our future leaders and we have to make sure that our youths are distancing themselves from such people. It is also important to work together to fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS which is wiping out our community on a daily basis.”

Rasikhuthuma further encouraged his fellow traditional leaders to behave responsibly, so that they can earn respect from their subjects. “As traditional leaders, we need to live cleanly and by example, so that our subjects can respect us. We also have to be social and approachable to allow our subjects opportunities to discuss issues freely and without fear.”

Tshikona, Malende and Tshigombela dancers added traditional flavour to the historic function.