News / National
Zanu-PF bigwig embroiled in chieftainship row
06 Jun 2024 at 09:34hrs | Views
Environment and Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi who is also a Zanu-PF senior member is embroiled in a controversy over the Chirumhanzu chieftainship.
She is accused of promoting her relative, Tawanda Chipangura, who is not from the royal family, to become the new chief.
According to NewsHawks, this chieftainship has been vacant since Chief Chirumhanzu (Gerald Mudzengi) died in February 2019, and his son has been serving as acting chief.
The Chigegwe family, which according to tradition should now assume the chieftainship, has not been installed due to alleged interference by Rwodzi and District Committee Coordinator Fortunate Chimedza.
Minutes from a royal family meeting in November 2022 indicate that the Chigegwe family should take over, but Rwodzi is accused of blocking this process.
Rwodzi and Chimedza deny these allegations, claiming no interference in the chieftainship matters. However, evidence from WhatsApp messages suggests otherwise.
The selection of the new chief is scheduled for June 6, 2024, with concerns about the chosen venue's security and appropriateness.
Lawyers for the Chirumhanzu royal families have expressed security concerns and requested the meeting be held at a safer, more accessible location.
The royal family's updated family tree, last verified in June 2022, supports the Chigegwe family's claim to the chieftainship, contradicting Rwodzi's push for her relative.
She is accused of promoting her relative, Tawanda Chipangura, who is not from the royal family, to become the new chief.
According to NewsHawks, this chieftainship has been vacant since Chief Chirumhanzu (Gerald Mudzengi) died in February 2019, and his son has been serving as acting chief.
The Chigegwe family, which according to tradition should now assume the chieftainship, has not been installed due to alleged interference by Rwodzi and District Committee Coordinator Fortunate Chimedza.
Minutes from a royal family meeting in November 2022 indicate that the Chigegwe family should take over, but Rwodzi is accused of blocking this process.
Rwodzi and Chimedza deny these allegations, claiming no interference in the chieftainship matters. However, evidence from WhatsApp messages suggests otherwise.
The selection of the new chief is scheduled for June 6, 2024, with concerns about the chosen venue's security and appropriateness.
Lawyers for the Chirumhanzu royal families have expressed security concerns and requested the meeting be held at a safer, more accessible location.
The royal family's updated family tree, last verified in June 2022, supports the Chigegwe family's claim to the chieftainship, contradicting Rwodzi's push for her relative.
Source - newshawks
