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Bere chieftainship restored in Masvingo
10 hrs ago |
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The Bere chieftainship has been formally restored following the installation of Petros Murombo Mahwekwe as substantive Chief Bere at Chidzikwe Primary School in Masvingo, bringing to an end an acting leadership period that began in 2021.
The installation ceremony was officiated by Daniel Garwe, who underscored the critical role of traditional leaders in fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage and driving development at community level.
"Traditional leaders are important in preserving our culture, promoting unity and supporting development at community level," Garwe said, adding that Government remains committed to strengthening traditional leadership institutions.
Mahwekwe succeeds an acting arrangement led by Phineas Tafirei Junior, following the death of his father, Phineas Tafirei, in 2021.
His appointment marks the continuation of a rotational succession system within the Bere royal family, with leadership now passing to the Makamure house in line with long-standing traditional practices.
The late Chief Bere had been installed in 2019, becoming the first to hold the title in 125 years after the chieftainship was abolished during colonial rule for resisting the Rhodesian rule.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, said the ceremony highlighted Government's commitment to restoring and reinforcing traditional leadership structures.
"The Government recognises traditional leaders as critical partners in governance, development and the preservation of cultural heritage," he said.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga, Mtshane Khumalo and Fortune Charumbira, who all emphasised the importance of stable and continuous traditional leadership.
Khumalo said the installation restores continuity and strengthens community leadership structures across the Bere area.
The Bere chieftainship, associated with the Shumba totem, spans communities from Mashava in the west to Bhuka in the south-east, bordering Zimuto and surrounding areas.
The installation ceremony was officiated by Daniel Garwe, who underscored the critical role of traditional leaders in fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage and driving development at community level.
"Traditional leaders are important in preserving our culture, promoting unity and supporting development at community level," Garwe said, adding that Government remains committed to strengthening traditional leadership institutions.
Mahwekwe succeeds an acting arrangement led by Phineas Tafirei Junior, following the death of his father, Phineas Tafirei, in 2021.
His appointment marks the continuation of a rotational succession system within the Bere royal family, with leadership now passing to the Makamure house in line with long-standing traditional practices.
The late Chief Bere had been installed in 2019, becoming the first to hold the title in 125 years after the chieftainship was abolished during colonial rule for resisting the Rhodesian rule.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, said the ceremony highlighted Government's commitment to restoring and reinforcing traditional leadership structures.
"The Government recognises traditional leaders as critical partners in governance, development and the preservation of cultural heritage," he said.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga, Mtshane Khumalo and Fortune Charumbira, who all emphasised the importance of stable and continuous traditional leadership.
Khumalo said the installation restores continuity and strengthens community leadership structures across the Bere area.
The Bere chieftainship, associated with the Shumba totem, spans communities from Mashava in the west to Bhuka in the south-east, bordering Zimuto and surrounding areas.
Source - Southern Eye
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