Ensikazi takes over Induna Sigola - Adulteration of culture

The Sigola chieftainship is not facing extinction despite the death of Chief Zephania Sigola, who outlived six of his seven children, with the family confirming that his brothers will provide a successor when the current chief's reign ends.

Chief Nomalanga Sithole, the late chief's only surviving child, was officially installed as Chief Sigola last Thursday, becoming one of only a handful of women holding traditional leadership positions in Zimbabwe.

However, her appointment has raised questions about the future of the chieftainship, particularly because her children bear the Sithole surname and are not members of the Sigola clan by name.

Family spokesperson Bongani Sigola said the family had already considered the succession issue and was confident that the traditional institution would continue beyond Chief Sithole's tenure.

"No, the Sigola chieftainship is not facing extinction. The family has a clear position that the next Chief Sigola will be chosen from among our uncle's (the late Chief Zephania Sigola) brothers," he said.

He added that the family had no objections to Chief Sithole's appointment, noting that it was in keeping with her late father's wishes.

"Nomalanga's children have Sithole as their surname, they are not Sigola, so they cannot assume a chieftainship that belongs to the Sigola clan," he said.

Chief Zephania Sigola died on May 1 at the age of 96, leaving his daughter to assume the traditional leadership position.

Her installation ceremony was held at Sigola Primary School in Umzingwane District, where Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe described her journey as one of resilience, hard work and perseverance.

His speech was delivered on his behalf by Sikhangele Ndlovu, director of coordination in the office of the Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.

Born on May 25, 1979, at Phelandaba Clinic in Bulawayo, Chief Sithole grew up in Njube Township. She attended Mtshede Primary School from 1985 to 1991 before proceeding to Mpopoma High School for her secondary education and Ordinary Level studies.

She later moved to South Africa, where she worked from 1996 to 2013 before returning to Zimbabwe after 17 years. She is currently studying towards a Diploma in Business Management.
"Her journey is one of resilience, hard work, commitment and perseverance," Minister Garwe said.

"From her humble beginnings in Njube Township, through her many years of professional experience in South Africa, and upon her return home to Zimbabwe, she has continued to develop herself and prepare for greater responsibilities."

Chief Sithole's appointment makes her the eighth female chief in Zimbabwe, joining other women traditional leaders, including Chief Sinqobile Mabhena of Umzingwane, Chief Ketso Mathe of Gwanda, Chief Hikwa of Bulilima and Chief Mvuthu of Hwange.

The list also includes Regent Chief Mabhikwa of Lupane, Chief Chimukoko of Mashonaland East and the late Chief Ndube of Insiza.

For the Sigola community, the new chief's installation represents both continuity and a significant milestone for women's participation in traditional leadership.

Chiefs in Zimbabwe are appointed in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17), which provides for the appointment of traditional leaders to preside over communities in communal and resettlement areas.

The law requires the President to give due consideration to the customary succession principles of the community concerned, alongside administrative requirements and the interests of good governance. Where practicable, the President should appoint a candidate nominated by the appropriate community in accordance with its customary succession traditions.