Chief Chikwanda installation demands spark backlash

Chief Chikwanda could set an unprecedented record if he succeeds in collecting all the cattle reportedly demanded from farmers and villagers ahead of his installation, following controversy over contributions requested from communities under his jurisdiction.

A letter dated January 9 and signed by Headman Makamure's secretary, Francis Ngoma, directed all farmers under Chief Chikwanda—believed to number more than 200—to contribute towards the chief's installation. The letter listed the required donations as five chicks, one head of cattle for beef, and meal-meal for food.

Ngoma confirmed that he authored the letter and said farmers were complying, with some paying in cash or in kind.

"We are very happy with the cooperation from the farmers in preparation for the installation of our Chief this January," Ngoma said.
"Those who do not cooperate, the Chief will decide what to do with them since ivhu riri ravo ndivo vachavona kuti vodii navo, but we don't expect anything like that."

He added that such contributions were standard practice during the installation of a chief, as all subjects were expected to assist.

Sources close to the chieftainship said Chief Chikwanda is scheduled to be installed on January 29.

However, Masvingo District Development Coordinator Joyce Chikugu condemned the demands, saying the actions of the headman or his secretary were unlawful.

"That is unlawful and I have spoken to Chief Chikwanda, who said he was not aware of the letter. It was done by some people without his knowledge, and those who paid against their will should be refunded," Chikugu said.

Chief Chikwanda-elect, born Silas Chikwanda, also distanced himself from the controversy, telling The Midweek Watch that he had no intention of forcing his subjects to contribute towards his installation.

Headman Makamure acknowledged the existence of the letter but said it was mistakenly worded.

"The letter was erroneously written. It was not supposed to make contributions mandatory, but voluntary. We will make the necessary corrections," he said.

Despite these assurances, several village heads said they were being coerced to pay US$200 each towards the installation by their respective headmen, a demand they said had caused resentment as many could not afford the amount.

Lawyer Omen Mafa described the demands as illegal.

"There is no law in this country that compels farmers or villagers to donate towards the installation of a chief," he said.

A commentator from Great Zimbabwe University said the incident reflected a broader pattern of abuse of power by traditional leaders, whom she said had become "untouchable" under the Second Republic.

"There is a lot of abuse of power by traditional leaders across the country. Some openly engage in partisan politics despite the Constitution requiring them to be apolitical, yet they face no consequences," she said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Traditional leaders should be respected, but they are not above the law."