…as Mpapa moves to revive long-lost chieftainship
Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – A wrangle is reportedly brewing between Chief Chitanga and Julius Mpapa as the latter has embarked on a swift drive to revive the Mpapa chieftainship whose restoration would see the former losing vast parts of Ward 13.
Last Saturday, Mpapa convened a meeting in Ward 13, Simukai Township, under Headman Lamula where he appointed his own headmen and village heads.
Although no immediate comment could be obtained from Chief Chitanga as his mobile was not reachable, Nyashadzaishe Chidoni – who is secretary to Mpapa – said last Saturday’s events were part of a bigger programme to revive the chieftaincy.
“I am not sure about how Chief Chitanga will react but on Saturday, Mpapa appointed 11 headmen and several village heads who are set to fully assume their duties as soon as Mpapa is installed.
There are processes that are being followed and Mpapa is still approaching the responsible ministry right from the top. As soon as everything is finalised, Mpapa’s appointees will began to execute their duties,” said Chidoni.
Some sources, however, told TellZim News that Chief Chitanga was very bitter with Mpapa’s latest move.
“Chief Chitanga does not want the revival of the Mpapa chieftainship because it would eat into his own power but it is common knowledge that the area covering Ward 13 traditionally belongs to Mpapa.
“When the Whites invaded the land and established vast farms, they drove away the inhabitants and later on killed the then Chief Mpapa and destroyed the chieftainship altogether,” said a source.
Other sources said Chief Chitanga only gained a foothold in the area in the wake of the Land Reform Programme when hundreds of people were resettled there.
The Mpapa area stretches to as far as some parts of Chiredzi district.
