By TellZim Reporter
MASVINGO – President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently upgraded Muchibwa headmanship in
Masvingo District, to a fully-fledged chieftaincy, following the appointment of Manyise Maseko
as Substantive Chief.
The appointment, with effect from 07 October 2026, was announced in a letter, seen by TellZim
News, from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works dated 21 October 2026.
According to the letter signed by Permanent Secretary Eng. Tafadzwa. Muguti, the appointment
was made in terms of Section 283 (a) (i) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with Sections
3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17].
Muchibwa was previously a headmanship under Chief Nyajena. Its elevation comes shortly after
the installation of substantive Chief Nyajena, Last Dzivakwe, as government moves to
reorganize traditional leadership structures in Masvingo and across the country..
TellZim News has established that Muchibwa’s chieftaincy will cover the eastern side of the
current Nyajena area. While formal boundary demarcations are yet to be drawn, the new
chiefdom is expected to border Zaka District in some parts.
The Muchibwa headmanship itself is relatively new. It was officially established in March 2023
when Maduveko Manyise was formally installed as the first headman under the newly created
title.
Muchibwa had served as the installer (Zigadzi) for the Nyajena Chieftaincy and Bota Chieftaincy
in Zaka District.
The first headman, Maduveko, reigned for just over a year before he died in a bus accident in
2024, paving the way for the latest appointment.
The Ministry directed the Director, Local Government Services for Masvingo Province, to advise
the incumbent, facilitate payment of his allowances, and arrange his official installation at the
earliest convenience.
No date has yet been set for the installation ceremony.
The upgrading of Muchibwa is the latest following the elevation of Muroyi headmanship to
Chieftaincy. Muroyi was headman under Chief Nhema in Zaka District.
Madamombe in Chivi was upgraded from headman to Chief, having served under Chief Chivi.
