President donates smartphones to traditional leaders in Matabeleland North

Minister Richard Moyo handing a device to a headman

Traditional leaders from Matabeleland North Province gathered at the Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo on Monday to receive smartphones donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The Chronicle reported that 51 devices were handed to chiefs and headmen across the province to improve communication and speed up responses to community needs.

Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo distributed 22 devices to headmen from three districts during a brief handover ceremony. The phones are intended to enable leaders to report emergencies, security concerns, and development needs directly to government structures.

The smartphones are meant to strengthen the link between communities and government by enabling faster reporting and coordination during crises. Officials said the devices will help chiefs and headmen organise meetings, relay government programmes, and alert authorities to developments in their areas. Moyo framed the initiative as part of the President’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, stressing that modern tools should reach even the most remote communities.

Headman Mazibisa from Tsholotsho District thanked the President for the donation, saying the phones demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development. He pledged that the devices would be used responsibly to improve access to government services and to communicate more effectively with residents. Recipients said the smartphones would make it easier to coordinate local programmes and to escalate urgent matters to provincial and national authorities.

Officials indicated the devices will be integrated into existing provincial communication channels and that training or guidance may follow to ensure effective use. The ministry expects the phones to reduce delays in reporting emergencies and to improve the delivery of public services at the community level.

smartphones donated to traditional leaders