Vusumuzi Dube
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
ONE of Beitbridge District’s senior traditional leaders, Headman Mabidi, was laid to rest on Tuesday at his Mtetengwe homestead amid an outpouring of grief from the local community and dignitaries, including Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who hails from the same area.
Born Mina Mine Mbedzi on February 3, 1968, Headman Mabidi passed away last Wednesday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) following a brief illness. He was 57.
The burial took place early Tuesday morning at the family shrine, in accordance with Tshivenda cultural rites, underscoring the deep traditional values that shaped his leadership.
In a heartfelt graveside tribute, Chief Tshitaudze described the late headman as a pillar of wisdom and humility, whose commitment to his people and to the preservation of local customs remained steadfast throughout his tenure.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Headman Mabidi. He was a voice of reason within our traditional leadership structures for the past nine years, always prioritising community engagement and wide consultation before making key decisions,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
More than a traditional leader, Headman Mabidi was a passionate environmentalist, renowned for his tireless efforts to protect communal grazing lands, conserve indigenous vegetation, and combat illegal tree-cutting within his jurisdiction under the authority of Chief Tshitaudze.
“Here lies a great man, who prioritised community dialogue. He was respectful and deeply committed to preserving the Tshivenda culture, whilst also embracing those who believed in modern ways of life,” added Chief Tshitaudze.
His leadership legacy includes spearheading several community development projects, among them the upgrading of a local primary school, the construction of a community hall, and the establishment of a mothers’ waiting shelter at Mtetengwe Clinic.
Chief Tshitaudze further noted that Headman Mabidi had taken a resolute stand against the illegal sale of communal land and deforestation.
District Development Co-ordinator (DDC), Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu-Moyo, also paid tribute to the late headman, describing him as one of the district’s most dedicated traditional leaders.
Beitbridge District is home to ten headmen, and with the passing of Headman Mabidi, alongside the unfilled posts of Headmen Mazibeli and Tshinoni, three positions are now vacant.
Mrs Mafu-Moyo stated that the community will observe a 12-month mourning period before a successor is appointed, through a process rooted in customary law and family consultations.
She added that although Headman Mabidi was only appointed substantive headman in September 2019, his contribution to the community would be remembered for generations to come.
“This is a loss to all of us in Beitbridge, and we hope that whoever succeeds him will be humble and uphold his legacy,” said Mrs Mafu-Moyo.
Online Reporter