TellZim reporter
In what could be a bitter pill to swallow for the Charumbiras, Chief Nemamwa their nemesis is set to be installed in October after the latter’s resuscitation and recognition by government.
After waiting for about five years since 2017, the Nemamwa clan will on October 01 2022 witness the installation of Chief Nemamwa born Tranos Manjiva following the resuscitation of the chieftaincy by government.
In a letter dated September 7, 2022 signed by Masvingo District Development Coordinator (DDC) Roy Hove addressed to the new Chief and copied to the Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Jefta Sakupwanya, the President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Manjiva as substantive chief with effect from August 30, 2022.
“Please be advised that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has in terms of Section 283 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 20) Act, 2013 as read with Section (3) (1) of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) appointed you, Tranos Manjiva as Substantive Chief Nemamwa in Masvingo district with effect from August 30, 2022,” read part of the letter.
The letter also urged the new Chief to up preparations for subsequent installation to be held in October.
“Kindly be advised accordingly and immediately start necessary preparations for the installation ceremony. Please also note that this ceremony should be held as soon as possible,” added the letter.
Hove latter confirmed the development in an interview and said preparations were underway for the big day.
“It is true, the chief was appointed and will be installed in October. Preparations are currently underway,” said Hove
The recognition and appointment of Chief Nemamwa is likely to put to an end the power struggles that have marred the district as rival Charumbira clan has been involved in a number of skirmishes with the former as the latter did not recognize the chieftainship saying it was illegitimate and were challenging it at court.
Past encounters between the two rival factions have been characterized by violent clashes often resulting in fist fight as Charumbira clansmen tried to suppress the resuscitation of the Nemamwa chieftaincy.
Public gatherings notably funerals in the contested area have become the two factions’ battle ground with Charumbira clan refusing to recognize the Nemamwa.
Chiefs Council President Fortune Charumbira once called the resuscitation of Nemamwa chieftainship ‘fraud with no legal basis’, irregular and thus illegal at law and vowed to contest it to the highest level.
He however sarcastically said it was normal for a village head or headman to dream about being a chief and the Nemamwas were also dreaming.
The resuscitation of Chiefs Bere and Nemamwa has seen a reduction in the territory belonging to the Charumbira likely to reduce him to a mere headman and probably left with one ward under his area of jurisdiction.
Some commentators have attributed the demise of the Charumbiras to the turn in national politics with Chief Charumbira being aligned to deposed nonagenarian, the late Robert Mugabe while the Nemamwa are allegiant to the new set up whose front man in Masvingo is current Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
Chief Bere of Shumba totem was installed in April 2019 years after the White settler regime abolished it.
