Harare — THIS year's annual chief's conference, which was scheduled to begin today in Bulawayo, has been moved to next week.

The conference will now begin on Tuesday and end on Friday next week.

The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development Cde Ignatius Chombo confirmed the change of dates.

The rest of the programme remains the same.

The conference is expected to centre on the empowerment of people through agrarian reforms as traditional leaders are the custodians of land.

Among the objectives of the annual conference is to accord traditional leaders an opportunity to interact with Government and civic organisations.

Although the conference is being held in Bulawayo province, Matabeleland South would be the host province.

The conference could not be held in Matabeleland South because of lack of adequate facilities to accommodate the more than 500 delegates expected to attend.

President Mugabe is expected to officially open the conference on Thursday while Vice President Joice Mujuru would officially close the conference on Friday.

Speakers lined up for the conference include the President of the Council of Chiefs, Chief Fortune Charumbira, Matabeleland South Governor and Resident Minister Cde Angeline Masuku and several Government ministers.

Representatives of civic organisations are also expected to address the conference.