Midlands installs first village headwoman

The Midlands Province recorded a milestone achievement following the appointment of Milton High School Deputy Headmistress Mrs Nosizi Muleya as Headwoman Mudzengi of Shurugwi, state controlled Chronicle reported.

Headwoman Mudzengi who was installed in December by Midlands Governor, Jason Machaya, becomes the first woman to occupy such a position in the province.

The colourful event held at Mudzengi village under Chief Nhema was attended by many people from different parts of the country.

Governor Machaya urged the newly installed headwoman to respect her subjects and exercise impartiality when presiding over cases.

"A sub-chief presides over all criminal cases committed within his or her area that are brought before her or him. A lot of crimes are committed in our communities and a headman or woman is thus expected to play mediator in quelling the social-ills and disputes that might erupt within his or her subjects. This can only be achieved if the headman or woman exercises impartiality. We also expect you to monitor the operations of all your village heads," he said.

The Midlands Governor said headwoman Mudzengi should be guided by the Traditional Leaders Act in executing her duties.

He said the headwoman should consult her district administrator in areas where she faced challenges.

"I appeal to all chiefs, headmen and village heads and their subjects to enhance our values as a people through the manner they execute their duties and conduct themselves. All traditional leaders have a responsibility to take Government programmes like drought relief and various developmental projects to the people in their respective areas," he said.

Cde Machaya applauded the Mudzengi family for respecting their chieftainship lineage when choosing individuals to ascend to the throne.

He said Mrs Muleya was appointed as headwoman Mudzengi on 16 August by the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Ignatius Chombo.

"The Mudzengi headmanship is interchangeable and rotates among the Mativenga, Kumira, Musara, Mbono and the Matombo families. Since the beginning of the Mudzengi headmanship, Mrs Muleya becomes the fifth person from the Matombo family to ascend to the throne," said Cde Machaya.

The Midlands Governor urged village heads in headwoman Mudzengi's area to register for them to be recognised.
He said only 44 village heads were registered.

Cde Machaya took the opportunity to console the Mudzengi family following the death of one of their daughters, Agatha, in a road traffic accident while on her way to the installation ceremony.

In her first address as headwoman, headwoman Mudzengi said she was up to the task and was prepared to face any challenges that might come her way in executing her duties.

"I am grateful to my relatives and brothers for accepting that I should assume the position of headwoman. Let me assure you that I am equal to the task. To you my brothers and fathers I look forward to your co-operation," she said.

The first headman Mudzengi was the son of Chief Nhema and the Mudzengi headmanship is believed to have started in 1890.

Headwoman Mudzengi's area has more than 44 village heads, two clinics, three primary schools and two secondary schools.

The headwoman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.

She is married and has three children.