The Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle has finally been put to rest following the installation of a new substantive Chief at a colourful ceremony held in Chirumanzu last Friday.
It was celebration time as the Chirumanzu community witnessed the installation of Abrahim Marufu Nyamande as the substantive chief following years of bickering that saw the chieftainship wrangle spilling into the courts.
Born some 65 years ago, Nyamande is the 18th chief of the Shumba Mhaze clan after taking over from Gerald Mudzengi, who died in 2019.
“We have been yearning for decisive leadership. Now that our substantive chief has been installed, we believe it is time for development,” a villager said.
“We are a community that is in a massive development drive. The installation of the Chief will give us more power to continue with this development,” a community member said.
“We currently have a cooking oil refinery plant, and we hope the Chief will push for the production of more sunflower so that we can push for the utilisation of the plant,” another villager said.
The installation ceremony was witnessed by the National Chiefs’ Council leadership, which made it clear that it is not amused by the current tendency of taking the chieftainship disputes to courts.
“Courts are not the ones who have the mandate to choose chiefs, but this is the responsibility of the responsible clan. The law is simple. If the family has a dispute, such disputes should be resolved by the local chiefs. If it fails, this should be solved within the province instead of rushing to the courts. As a council, we respect that which comes from the province and thus what stands. Yes, it took time for your installation due to bickering, but going forward, don’t take grudges,” President of the chiefs’ council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo said.
The government took time to spell out the mandate of the newly installed chief as the engine of development within the area of his jurisdiction.
“As the new Chief, you should be driving development in your area. You should be part of the council meetings where development will be championed. Take all the problems and accept everything. What is critical is to preserve the culture of the Chirumanzu clan. Also, it helps in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Drugs do not have a place in our development trajectory,” Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, said.
“You are mandated to ensure that you help in the feeding of your people through Zunda Ramambo. You are also mandated to convey the government projects to your people. We rely on you for everything to do with development in your community,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.
The traditional leader’s installation ceremony also witnessed the new Chief being gifted with a vehicle, a smartphone, as well as the Chief’s regalia as part of his conditions of service.
