adminPeter Phiri Chronicle Correspondent
CHIEF Ngungumbane Mkhwananzi of Mberengwa yesterday called for the installation of chiefs and headmen in urban areas to protect cultural values. Addressing more than 1 400 mourners at MacDonald’s Hall in Mzilikazi at a funeral service for the late McKenzie Sibanda, a Bulawayo city councillor, ex-footballer and administrator, he bemoaned the death of cultural values in urban areas.
‘‘I am saddened because there is no respect anymore among people in Bulawayo. For example the name Mzilikazi is derived from a king but the people have trampled upon that name because of lack of respect.
“Why have we abandoned our culture? If I had my way I was going to install headmen or even chiefs in Bulawayo to restore culture and identity,’’ said Chief Ngungumbane.
He said a people without culture were doomed.
‘‘Our days are cut short on earth because of lack of respect.
“We have an identity and culture and so we should know where we are coming from and where we are going. Culture defines us as a people.
“We belong to different political parties but we are still a people with culture. We are cutting short our days by abandoning culture,’’ he said.
The chief said the late Sibanda taught him that people were the same.
‘‘Sibanda taught me that Highlanders and Dynamos are just different names but their people are the same.
“My father Douglas Mkwananzi died in 2001 but Sibanda and Vincent Pamire still accorded me the respect they bestowed upon my father.
“To them I am still their chief because they respect culture and above all my position. Please let us respect people, chiefs and our culture,’’ said Chief Ngungumbane.
Sibanda, a former Highlanders player, coach, administrator and a Bulawayo City Councillor since 2008 died on Thursday last week after complaining of breathing problems.
Online Reporter