. . .rescinds former Min of Local Govt July Moyo’s decision
. . . .gives Chief Musara powers to carry out duties expected of chiefs
By Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has, with immediate effect, nullified the
decision by former Minister of Local Government July Moyo to downgrade the
Musara Chieftainship to a headman.
Mnangagwa, through the Minister of Local Government Daniel Garwe has
since wrote to the Musaras copying all relevant departments including the
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Ezra
Chadzamira, director local government ministry and many others.
In the letter, which TellZim is in possession of, Minister Garwe said the
President has nullified the downgrading and has since reinstated the Musara
Chieftainship with immediate effect.
“Please be advised that His Excellency the President of the Republic of
Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa has nullified the decision to downgrade the
Musara Chieftainship to Headmanship.
“By copy of this Minute, you are therefore advised to proceed to carry out the
full statutory duties of a chief as prescribed in the Traditional Leaders Act
(Chapter 29: 17),” part of the letter reads.
In 2014, the High Court ordered Boniface Musara as substantive chief for ward
32 Masvingo District, after then President Robert Mugabe through Local
Government Minister Ignatious Chombo had resuscitated the Musara
Chieftainship in 2013, which had been banished by the colonial regime in the
1940s.
In August 2023, the Musara Chieftainship was downgraded to headman by July
Moyo under controversial circumstances. Mnangagwa has since nullified the
downgrade and reinstated the chieftainship with immediate effect.