Russell Mapuvire
ZVISHAVANE-Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo has described the late Chief Wedza born Kenias Moyo who passed away on January 3, 2022 as a dedicated traditional leader who spearheaded development in his area of jurisdiction since his installation three years nine months ago.
Wedza (72) was laid to rest at his homestead in Mdonga village in Rusvinge on January 8.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Director in the office of the Ministry for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Isaac Mutambara, Minister Moyo described Chief Wedza as a hardworking man and good leader.
“Chief Wedza was an upright community leader whose leadership qualities will be cherished by generations to come. He had no record of abusing his office and authority for personal gains. He shunned corruption and traditional mal-practices; strove to provide for his family and above all assist the most vulnerable among his folk. Government appreciates his selfless leadership and his commitment to impartial and fair traditional leadership. He actually led by example,” read Moyo’s speech.
He also commended the late Chief for partaking in developmental issues in the community.
“Late Chief Wedza presided over 23 village heads and 7,300 households. He also contributed in many developmental programmes and projects that include the development of Chemumvuri Rusvinge road ,establishment of nutritional gardens, procurement of Masarasara Hall Building material and supported government’s health initiative and programmes such as Covid-19 vaccination campaigns among other things,” he added.
Moyo also urged people who were there to support their traditional leaders so that developmental needs are promoted and realized.
Traditional leaders including Chiefs Mapanzure, Ngungubani, Ngabeni, Mazvihwa, Mazivofa, Bvute and Mafala who worked with the late Chief Wedza gathered to bid farewell to their late colleague.
Companies like Mimosa Mining, Pote Holdings and Nyaradzo also came and helped at the burial of the Chief and some government officials were present. Some government officials who were supposed to have attended the funeral did not turn up as they were tied up on government business.
During the funeral, his nephew Vasko Ngole gave people a brief background about his uncle Chief Wedza.
“My uncle Kainos Moyo’s birthday is not written and he does not know the actual day he was born, but from imagination he was born between 1939 and 1940. He then went to school in 1952 but he did not finish school, that is grade 2 and by then it was called sub B. He dropped out due to various reasons which I cannot mention here because they are family matters.
“He then went to Zvishavane town and worked for a white man, who took him to Bulawayo then Zambia. After coming back from Zambia, he married Lucia Mpofu and started to work at Relay Construction Company and that is the company that constructed the railway line from Bulawayo to Gwanda and Beitbridge. Chief Wedza had eight children four boys, four girls and his father had seven boys and Mdonga chief Wedza was the last born,” said Ngole.
The late Chief Wedza succeeded the late Philip Hlati Tumbudzuku of the Zibanayi house and he hails from Mdonga house.
Wedza chieftainship follows the rotational succession whereby turns devolve from one house to another.
Wedza chieftainship is ascended to by three houses namely Mdonga, Musiwedzingo and Zibanayi and the next turn goes to Musiwedzingo family.
Moyo is survived by his wife Mrs Lucia Mdonga, eight children and twenty-eight grandchildren.
