Chronicle Editor
Chronicle Reporter
In the tranquil town of Maphisa, nestled within the Matobo District of Matabeleland South Province, a battle of wills and a fight for justice unfolds. At the heart of this story is Chasisani Moyo, a determined young woman who operates a small hotel, a business she inherited from her late father, Boykie Moyo, who passed away in October 2018. According to her father’s will, the reins of the business were rightfully entrusted to Chasisani.
Supported by her mother, Zodwa Ncube, Chasisani embarked on the challenging journey of running the hotel, determined to honour her father’s legacy and build upon his achievements. However, their path was not an easy one, as familial discord and deep-rooted traditional beliefs cast a shadow of injustice over their endeavors.
Chasisani’s uncles, who had anticipated assuming control of the business after the passing of their brother, vehemently opposed the decision for a woman to take charge. Firm traditionalists, they clung to outdated beliefs that deemed the task of operating such a business to be exclusively reserved for men. Their disapproval manifested in constant clashes and bitter disputes with Chasisani and her mother, as they sought to strip them of their rightful inheritance.
Failing to dissuade the determined duo, Chasisani and Zodwa, from transforming the business into a thriving and profitable enterprise, the uncles resorted to spreading malicious rumors. Unfounded allegations surfaced, accusing Chasisani and her mother of hosting members of the LGBTIQ+ community and facilitating unsanctioned meetings for members of the opposition within the premises of the hotel.
These baseless rumours, fueled by prejudice and bigotry, caught the attention of the authorities, leading to unwarranted scrutiny and harassment. Zodwa, who stood alongside her daughter, found herself arrested and subjected to alleged sexual harassment while in custody—a distressing turn of events that only served to further compound the injustice inflicted upon this resilient family.
The repercussions were severe. The hotel, once bustling with clientele and promise, became the target of unwarranted scrutiny, driving the family to a difficult decision. Fearing continued attacks from their uncles and authorities, they were forced to shutter their business and retreat into the shadows of hiding—victims of a grave injustice that denied them the opportunity to run an honest enterprise.
A neighbouring business owner, who witnessed the family’s struggles firsthand, expressed their dismay over the situation.
“The allegations against Chasisani and her mother were nothing more than fabricated tales, perpetuated by those who sought to undermine their rightful claim to the business. The family’s wish was simply to operate an honest business and contribute to the prosperity of their community.”
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