adminPost Reporter
THE Tandi chieftaincy — which all along has been operating with the aid of de-facto headmen, last week broke new ground following Government’s resuscitation and consecration of the dynasty’s first substantive foot soldier — Headman Mubvurungwa.
Chief Tandi has all along been operating with the aid of de-facto traditional aides, who are not officially recognised by Government.
Last Friday’s installation of Mr Takayira Benedict Mubvurungwa as the substantive Headman Mubvurungwa — was a major breakthrough in the dynasty’s reign as it marked the re-establishment of the powerful pillars to the throne that had been dismantled by the country’s colonial masters.
Mr Mbetsa also conferred him with the official regalia, to authenticate his reign.
The Government will soon strengthen the dynasty’s foothold with the resuscitation of Headman Nheyamwa, reducing the number of its de-facto headmen to four. The other vacant headmanships include Chitsva and Mbirimi.
The dynasty must have six substantive headmen.
Headman Mubvurungwa (68) was officially anointed by Provincial Administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa.
Mr Mbetsa said his ministry must work around the clock to resolve these issues as traditional leaders were the conduits of development in communities.
Mr Mbetsa said traditional leaders, civil servants, war veterans, church leaders and all political parties were there to ensure that the success of the land reform programme through fair, transparent and honest selection of beneficiaries.
Mr Mbetsa’s comments follow the cancer which had hit Manicaland with delicate consequences in which officials from the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement, District Administrators and local authorities intervened to regularise illegal land allocations.
Most illegal settlements are being done in vleis, waterways, mountains and pastures.
Mr Mbetsa said traditional leaders were installed to jealously guard natural resources in areas under their jurisdiction, but most were less effective as they had become part of the rot or merely failing to assert their authority.
“We wonder where they will be when we see wanton destruction of natural resources, uncontrolled tree cutting, veld fires and stream bank cultivation. Our heritage is going to waste before our eyes,” said Mr Mbetsa.
According to the Traditional Leaders Act Chapter 29:17, a traditional leader is expected to serve as head of communities under their jurisdiction, custodian to cultural values, supervise village heads, custodian of land and natural resources, custodian of republic properties like clinics, schools, telephone and electricity lines.
Traditional leaders also discharge functions conferred upon them in terms of Customary Law and Local Courts Act (Chapter 7:5) as well as mediating in disputes of customary nature like lobola, burials, domestic disputes, performance of customary roles and any other interpersonal disagreements excluding those that are subject to the general law of the country.
Headman Mubvurungwa’s subjects were also urged to support and respect their leaders.
Headman Mubvurungwa will superintend the following nine village heads: Bvepfepfe, Nechihwene, Mubvurungwa, Makarutse, Ruzvidzo, Nyakuedzwa, Masona, Chitenga and Nyamanhindi.
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