News / National
Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle deepens
11 Jun 2024 at 06:13hrs | Views
The Chirumanzu chieftainship dispute escalated as the Midlands provincial chiefs council appointed Nyamande Muzondo from the Mutizirapi house as the substantive traditional leader, bypassing Julius Chimbi Chigegwe of the Nherera house.
Chigegwe has long contested the chieftainship with acting Chief Chirumanzu Fidelis Mudzengi. Nherera house elders petitioned Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, alleging an unfair selection process favoring Mutizirapi.
They cited over-representation of the Simba sub-house and a biased rotation system. Despite efforts to seek clarification from Chief Mataruse, who led the council, responses were unavailable.
The council member anonymously explained the use of a rotation system in selecting the candidate. Elders seek Garwe's intervention to rectify the situation and restore order to the Chirumanzu chieftainship.
Joseph Toendepi, a social and cultural commentator and member of the Chirumanzu clan, stressed the importance of upholding customs and traditions to maintain Zimbabwe's cultural identity.
The dispute emerged following the death of Chief Jerald Mudzengi in 2019, with Fidelis acting as chief while Chigegwe claimed rightful succession.
Chigegwe has long contested the chieftainship with acting Chief Chirumanzu Fidelis Mudzengi. Nherera house elders petitioned Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, alleging an unfair selection process favoring Mutizirapi.
They cited over-representation of the Simba sub-house and a biased rotation system. Despite efforts to seek clarification from Chief Mataruse, who led the council, responses were unavailable.
Joseph Toendepi, a social and cultural commentator and member of the Chirumanzu clan, stressed the importance of upholding customs and traditions to maintain Zimbabwe's cultural identity.
The dispute emerged following the death of Chief Jerald Mudzengi in 2019, with Fidelis acting as chief while Chigegwe claimed rightful succession.
Source - newsday
