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Acting President Joice Mujuru officially handed over the house at a colourful ceremony attended by senior Government officials, legislators, traditional leaders and UFIC followers among others.
Cde Mujuru lauded Prophet Makandiwa, saying what he has done complemented Government programmes and objectives of restoring the dignity of traditional leaders.

“It is the responsibility of Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development to build decent homesteads for traditional leaders, but because of the challenges facing the Government, we are failing to do this,” said Acting President Mujuru.
She said Prophet Makandiwa had demonstrated that he was a responsible son by making efforts to improve his community and its leaders.
“Even if you have money and begin to drive three cars, you should always remember where you came from. This is the lesson that we learnt from Prophet Makandiwa,” she said.

The Acting President noted that it was not the first time that Prophet Makandiwa had co-operated with Government as he also attended the launch of the National Anti-Sanctions Petition in Harare last year.
President of the Chiefs Council Chief Fortune Charumbira said Prophet Makandiwa had fulfilled the objectives of the liberation struggle to restore the dignity of traditional leaders.

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“When the white men came, their targets were traditional leaders. They were robbed of their respect and dignity. Part of the objective of the liberation struggle was to restore their dignity,” said Chief Charumbira.
“So what Makandiwa has done is fulfilling that objective.”
UFIC spokesperson Reverend Prime Kufakunesu said Prophet Makandiwa used his personal money to build the house.

“I am the treasurer of the church and at no time did Prophet Makandiwa come to me saying I should release money to build the house. It was his own initiative we are just here to give our support,” he said.
A representative of Chief Kasekete’s family, Mr Wilson Mutinhima, said the fact that Prophet Makandiwa was still to build a house for his own parents or relatives, showed how much respect he had for his traditional leader.

“He has not yet done this to any of his family but his family would come to plough for the Chief.
“That shows how much love and respect they have for their traditional leader,” he said.
Cde Mujuru expressed concern at the low yields in the area.

She said while the Government had introduced a grain loan scheme, some people were not in a position to repay the grain owing to perennial low yields.
Among those who witnessed the event were Mashonaland Central Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Martin Dinha, provincial administrator Mr Joseph Jaji and Muzarabani MP Cde Edward Rara- dza.