CHIEFS and Traditional Affairs Minister Lawrence Sichalwe says Chiefs need to embrace capacity building programmes in order to have understanding of their subjects and natural resources under them.

And House of Chiefs chairperson Senior Chief Luembe has noted with sadness the succession and boundary wrangles being experienced in most chiefdoms throughout the country.

In a speech read on his behalf by acting permanent secretary Madrine Mbuta at the launch of the Chalimbana University first diploma programme in leadership and traditional governance in Lusaka, Monday, Sichalwe said Chiefs should embrace capacity building as a tool of governance.

“As Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, we are happy to be associated with this course being offered by Chalimbana University aimed at building capacity of the office of Chiefs in leadership and governance. The Ministry considers this course as an important tool that will enhance the operations of the office of Chiefs for the benefit of rural communities. Capacity building is important because it will enhance Chief’s understanding and management of their subjects and natural resources under them. So Chiefs should embrace capacity building as a tool for good governance,” Sichalwe said.

Sichalwe said by offering the course, Chalimbana University was reinforcing unity in diversity by bringing traditional Chiefs together for a common goal of enriching their management skills.

“I am glad through this course, Chalimbana University has reinforced unity in diversity where traditional leaders from different parts of the Country have come together for a common goal of enriching their management skills. I am therefore, urging you traditional leaders to take this programme very serious,” said Sichalwe.

And House of Chiefs chairperson Senior Chief Luembe noted with sadness the succession and boundary wrangles being experienced in most chiefdoms.

“I would like to thank government through Chalimbana University for the initiative of bringing their royal highnesses in this manner where they will be imparted with knowledge on leadership and governance issues. It is saddening to note that there are a lot of succession and boundary wrangles being experienced in most chiefdoms through out the country. It is my hope that after gaining knowledge from this training, there will be transformation in the way disputes will be managed by all of us,” said Chief Luembe.

Meanwhile, Chalimbana University vice chancellor Geoffrey Tambulukani thanked USAID for their financial and academic support.

46 Chiefs have so far enrolled for this programme.