Chief Chidziva’s replacement approved

Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau 

THE Government has approved the replacement of the late Chief Chidziva who died last year after a long illness. 

The late Chief Chidziva, born Johannes Kangamiti Jenami, was the first traditional leader of the chieftainship which was made official in 2022. 

He was 92.

He was replaced by his first son, Mr Shepherd Majinjiwa, who now holds the reins on acting basis until a substantive chief is selected from the lineage after two years. 

Speaking during the post-installation ceremony of the acting traditional leader at Katawa Business Centre in Zvimba North constituency yesterday, which coincided with Africa Day celebrations, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister and area legislator, Cde Marian Chombo said the President had announced the replacement of Chief Chidziva on April 17.

“The late Chief was replaced on April 17 by President Mnangagwa after the family had requested for the installation of an acting chief so that works could be carried forward. 

“After a roundtable, the family resolved to name Mr Sherpherd Majinjiwa the acting chief,” she said. 

“My office is ready to render help to the family and the newly installed chief.”

The community was also challenged to respect the acting chief for the continuity of culture and beliefs. 

In his acceptance speech, Chief Chidziva rallied his subjects to support the ruling party and President Mnangagwa saying he was going to hit the ground running as he worked towards fulfilling developmental aspirations of his father. 

“This is an honour and I promise to meet the expectations of President Mnangagwa and my late father of promoting development before I handover to the substantive chief,” he said. 

His jurisdiction is still under resettlement with village heads excluded from benefiting and accessing allowances. 

His brother, Mr Gibson Jenami who is Headman Katizagombo lauded the ruling party for honouring the Chidziva family with the chieftainship. 

Chidziva falls under the Zvimba Paramount Chieftainship which also rules over Chirau and Beperere while Sharishonga, Nyatsaka and Karigamombe headmen fall under Chidziva.