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Ndiweni family moves to replace Nhlanhlayamangwe
2 hrs ago |
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A member of the Ndiweni family says the clan has identified a preferred candidate for the Ntabazinduna chieftainship and will soon submit the name to government for consideration.
Douglas Ndiweni told CITE that the prolonged leadership vacuum must now be resolved. "This matter has taken too long," he said. "The family will present its candidate so that a substantive chief can be installed."
The chieftainship has been disputed since the death of Chief Khayisa Ndiweni in August 2010. His son, Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni, was later installed and formally recognised in 2014 by then-President Robert Mugabe. However, his appointment was contested by some members of the royal family, including Douglas, who argued that the succession process had not fully followed traditional procedures.
The dispute escalated in November 2019 when President Emmerson Mnangagwa removed Ndiweni from office and ordered the recovery of state-issued property, directing the clan to identify a successor. Ndiweni challenged the decision at the High Court of Zimbabwe, arguing that he had not been granted a fair hearing. Although he later relocated to the United Kingdom, he has maintained that he remains the legitimate chief, citing his late father's designation and support from some family members.
Douglas now says the family on the ground believes it is time to move forward. He confirmed that an earlier proposal for their elder brother, Jorum Ndiweni, who lives in the UK, to assume the role is no longer under consideration.
Residents in Ntabazinduna say the prolonged impasse has weakened traditional authority in the area. Some link the absence of a substantive chief to rising cases of illegal mining, unauthorised settlements and challenges in enforcing community regulations.
Kenneth Ndlovu, a senior resident, said there had been greater order during the tenure of the late chief. "Right now, because there is no substantive chief, we are seeing more social problems," he said.
Contacted for comment, Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni said he was unaware of any new developments. "I can't say much on the issue," he said. "The family said no change."
Douglas Ndiweni told CITE that the prolonged leadership vacuum must now be resolved. "This matter has taken too long," he said. "The family will present its candidate so that a substantive chief can be installed."
The chieftainship has been disputed since the death of Chief Khayisa Ndiweni in August 2010. His son, Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni, was later installed and formally recognised in 2014 by then-President Robert Mugabe. However, his appointment was contested by some members of the royal family, including Douglas, who argued that the succession process had not fully followed traditional procedures.
The dispute escalated in November 2019 when President Emmerson Mnangagwa removed Ndiweni from office and ordered the recovery of state-issued property, directing the clan to identify a successor. Ndiweni challenged the decision at the High Court of Zimbabwe, arguing that he had not been granted a fair hearing. Although he later relocated to the United Kingdom, he has maintained that he remains the legitimate chief, citing his late father's designation and support from some family members.
Residents in Ntabazinduna say the prolonged impasse has weakened traditional authority in the area. Some link the absence of a substantive chief to rising cases of illegal mining, unauthorised settlements and challenges in enforcing community regulations.
Kenneth Ndlovu, a senior resident, said there had been greater order during the tenure of the late chief. "Right now, because there is no substantive chief, we are seeing more social problems," he said.
Contacted for comment, Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni said he was unaware of any new developments. "I can't say much on the issue," he said. "The family said no change."
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