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Chief vacuum in Ntabazinduna stalling development
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Stakeholders in Ntabazinduna have expressed growing frustration over the government's prolonged delay in appointing a substantive chief, warning that the leadership vacuum is hampering local development and weakening governance structures.
The traditional authority seat has remained unfilled for over three years, leaving the community without a formal leader to oversee dispute resolution, coordinate development initiatives, and maintain social order. Local sources say the absence of a chief has contributed to an increase in criminal activity, including illegal gold panning and other vices.
The impasse traces back to November 30, 2019, when President Emmerson Mnangagwa, through the Local Government and Public Works secretary Zvinechimwe Churu, announced the removal of Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni. The move followed recommendations from provincial chiefs aligned with Zanu-PF, who argued that Ndiweni was not next in line for the chieftaincy. Government directed officials to recover a state-issued truck and the chief's regalia and to liaise with the Ndiweni clan for the selection of a successor.
Mbuso Fuzwayo, secretary of Ibhetshu LikaZulu, said the delay was regrettable. "Chiefs are central in the daily lives of their subjects; they are leaders of development and settling disputes in their communities," he said.
Ntabazinduna headman Mathilika Khumalo noted that the Ndiweni family supports Felix Ndiweni as the rightful chief, but emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with government authorities. "The family sat down and came to a decision to appoint him as the chief after some due diligence. It is not up to us to decide who to select, but it remains a family issue," Khumalo said.
Khumalo added that, in the absence of a chief, procedural matters normally escalated from village heads to the headman and then to the chief have created uncertainty. "Now I have to make sure that the decision I make should not backfire," he said.
Reports from the area indicate a rise in crime, including illegal mining and other social vices, as residents and local officials navigate the leadership vacuum. Efforts to obtain comment from the Umguza Rural District Council were unsuccessful at the time of going to press.
The Ntabazinduna situation highlights the critical role traditional leadership plays in governance and development in rural Zimbabwe, and underscores the risks posed by prolonged administrative delays.
The traditional authority seat has remained unfilled for over three years, leaving the community without a formal leader to oversee dispute resolution, coordinate development initiatives, and maintain social order. Local sources say the absence of a chief has contributed to an increase in criminal activity, including illegal gold panning and other vices.
The impasse traces back to November 30, 2019, when President Emmerson Mnangagwa, through the Local Government and Public Works secretary Zvinechimwe Churu, announced the removal of Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni. The move followed recommendations from provincial chiefs aligned with Zanu-PF, who argued that Ndiweni was not next in line for the chieftaincy. Government directed officials to recover a state-issued truck and the chief's regalia and to liaise with the Ndiweni clan for the selection of a successor.
Mbuso Fuzwayo, secretary of Ibhetshu LikaZulu, said the delay was regrettable. "Chiefs are central in the daily lives of their subjects; they are leaders of development and settling disputes in their communities," he said.
Ntabazinduna headman Mathilika Khumalo noted that the Ndiweni family supports Felix Ndiweni as the rightful chief, but emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with government authorities. "The family sat down and came to a decision to appoint him as the chief after some due diligence. It is not up to us to decide who to select, but it remains a family issue," Khumalo said.
Khumalo added that, in the absence of a chief, procedural matters normally escalated from village heads to the headman and then to the chief have created uncertainty. "Now I have to make sure that the decision I make should not backfire," he said.
Reports from the area indicate a rise in crime, including illegal mining and other social vices, as residents and local officials navigate the leadership vacuum. Efforts to obtain comment from the Umguza Rural District Council were unsuccessful at the time of going to press.
The Ntabazinduna situation highlights the critical role traditional leadership plays in governance and development in rural Zimbabwe, and underscores the risks posed by prolonged administrative delays.
Source - Southern Eye
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