Two local traditional leaders are on a simultaneous mission to build a good working relationship between churches, community structures and traditional councils.

Chief Thinawanga Randima of Khubvi village and Chief Tshilidzi Ravhura of Makonde kicked off their campaign by visiting the Christian Worship Centre at Makonde-Tshilulu on Sunday.

Hundreds of congregants welcomed the two traditional leaders in a highly organized guard of honour. It was the first time in the history of the church that two traditional leaders from different villages visited the church at the same time.

When addressing the congregants, Chief Thinawanga Randima said that it was "unquestionable that a large part of my population are part of the church. It was important for me to visit the churches, so that I can forge a good working relationship between different stakeholders in my community." He added that it would not be possible for the traditional leadership to achieve their goals alone, "because the church plays a major role in restoring the morals of our communities. As traditional leaders, we also depend on the prayers of congregants to rule our subjects with wisdom.”

Randima’s sentiments were echoed by Chief Ravhura, who added that the visit was part of his thanksgiving initiative," because God has protected and guided me to lead my people with wisdom." He mentioned that it was just the beginning, because they had a comprehensive programme of visiting all the churches within the area "to preach the same gospel."

Pastor Violet Tinyani of the Christian Worship Centre proclaimed it a real blessing to have the  two important visitors with them. "We respect traditional leaders because traditional leadership was created by God. I will bless them, so that they can lead their people with wisdom. We hope they can visit us every Sunday because we really enjoy being with them here in the house of the Lord.”