Chief Gutu demands US$10 'village tax'

Villagers in Masvingo are up in arms over what critics say is an illegal tax being levied by Chief Gutu (Lawrence Chigariro), who reportedly ordered all village heads under his jurisdiction to contribute US$10 each to his personal Zunde raMambo fund.

Headman Gadzingo, who oversees 106 village heads, confirmed that he conveyed the directive during a meeting held at Runyowa Business Center on Thursday. "We informed village heads of the US$10 that must be paid by each head for Zunde raMambo," Gadzingo said. With 14 headmen under Chief Gutu, each supervising dozens of village heads, the total amount raised could exceed US$10,000.

The move has sparked outrage because the money is unaccounted for and appears to be treated as Chief Gutu's personal fund rather than public or community development money. A village head, who requested anonymity, explained that villagers would ultimately bear the cost, with contributions likely being collected in US$1 increments, generating far more than the intended US$10 per head.

Chief Gutu defended the measure and lashed out at journalists seeking clarity. "Yes, every village head is paying US$10. What business of yours is it? Do you know the function of Zunde raMambo? I now have your number, bother me no more!" he said.

Legal experts, including lawyer Martin Mureri, have criticised the collections as illegal. "It is not the role of chiefs to tax villagers and carry out development. Chiefs should support development initiatives brought by the government," Mureri said.

Supporters argue otherwise. Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Assembly Chairperson Chief Chitanga of Mwenezi suggested the funds may be intended to cover shortages in the Zunde raMambo program, particularly amid a fertilizer crisis. "US$10 is a reasonable figure given that a bag of fertilizer is costing at least US$35. The chief's jurisdiction is also limited as many headmen have been upgraded to chieftainship," Chitanga said.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over traditional leadership, local governance, and accountability in rural Zimbabwe, where the line between customary authority and public administration often remains blurred.

District authorities, including Gutu District Development Coordinator Chiedza Tafireyi, did not respond to requests for comment.

This dispute is expected to intensify as villagers question whether contributions to the Zunde raMambo should remain voluntary or be regulated under law.