Traditional leaders to host thanksgiving ceremony

By Edmore Mhangami

Traditional chiefs in Karoi will soon host a ‘bira rekutenda vadzimu’ (traditional thanks giving ceremony) in appreciation of the bumper harvest the region has got this season, Zimnews has learnt.

Karoi which is not an agricultural region recently recorded large volumes of rainfall which has seen small scale farmers having a bumper harvest.

In an interview Chief Dandahwa said he was pleased with the rains that God gave the region.

The traditional chief said it was through this cause that chiefs in this area (Karoi) have seen it proper to host a bira vadzimu ceremony.

“Water is life. Without it we both humans and animals cannot survive. As leaders of the area greatly we greatly appreciate the rains that our  region got this year.

It has been years since we had such kind of rains and a good harvest. Areas such as Chidamoyo have a notable bumper harvest, while tobacco farmers are also pleased with their produce. Tobacco farmers have since stormed the tobacco floors selling their produce,” said the traditional leader.

He said plans to host this prestigious ceremony are now at an advanced stage with several other chiefs (like chief Chundu and headman Hurungwe) confirming their attendance.

“We are left with setting the date and venue for this harmonious ceremony and we are inviting everybody willing to join us in this event. We also intend to write to the government inviting some of our leader to help us celebrate this event,” said chief Dandahwa.

From history Zimbabweans have always believed in traditional gathering performing such kinds of ceremonies added the chief.

He said such practices helps in demanding favour from the ancestors who act as intimidators between the people and God.

“The problem is, as Africans we have lost our way of life. We have adopted western religions and call our sprits demons. This has made the ancestral spirits to cast a blind eye on us hence the series of droughts that has hit our once great nation in the past years. It is high time we change this and plead with our spirits to guide and protect us like in the olden days,” he said.