Vusumuzi Dube
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
CHIEF Ngwemnyama Fuyana from Matobo District, who has been elected to represent Matabeleland South in the National Council of Chiefs, has vowed to serve with distinction.
He replaces Chief Ndube, who died last year. Chief Fuyana landed the role after beating three other chiefs during a by-election that was held in Gwanda on Saturday.
Chief Fuyana received 12 votes, followed by Chief Manguba, who got six votes, Chief Sangulube three votes and Chief Sebasa, who got zero. A total of 21 chiefs participated in the poll.
The election started with a voter education session led by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) ahead of the nomination court.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Fuyana expressed gratitude to fellow chiefs for their support and commended those who have served him for a sterling job.
“As I assume a position in the National Chiefs Council, I have learnt a lot from my fellow chiefs and interacting with them has helped to mould and nurture me,” he said.
“I would like to express gratitude to my fellow chiefs for believing in me. I can’t do this alone or rely on my own understanding, but I can do this with your assistance as fellow chiefs. I know there’ll be challenges, but I’m sure the burden will be lighter through working together,” he said.
Chief Fuyana said he will do his best to represent fellow chiefs from the province and community. He said the aim is to move the institution of chiefs from one level to the next.
Chief Tshitaudze, who is a member of the National Council of Chiefs, said they will work closely with Chief Fuyana.
“The by-election went very well and we are pleased with the outcome. The process was transparent and every chief was able to exercise their right. I would like to congratulate Chief Fuyana on his victory,” he said.
“Going forward, we’ll work closely with Chief Fuyana to bring him up to speed on his new role. We will help him to adjust quickly so that we can work as a team in representing our province
“This election was very important because, in Matabeleland South, we now had a gap in the National Council of Chiefs following the passing on of Chief Ndube. We are glad that ZEC has conducted this by-election,” he said.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Matabeleland South provincial elections officer, who was the presiding officer, Mrs Sithembiso Khupe, said the by-election was conducted peacefully.
Chief Hobodo, who is visually impaired, cast his vote with the assistance of a polling officer.
“The National Council of Chiefs by-election was successful as it was conducted peacefully and professionally. The chiefs convened at 9 AM and we started with voter education for the nomination court.
“Our nomination court started at 10 AM and four candidates were nominated, which meant that we had to hold an election.
“Votes were cast through a secret ballot. Chief Ngwemnyama Fuyana emerged victorious. In our voters’ role, we had 26 chiefs, but 22 turned up and one failed to cast their vote as he had brought a driver’s license instead of a National Identity Card,” she said.
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works chief director for traditional leaders and Local Government, Mr Felix Chikovo, applauded the chiefs for showing maximum cooperation and unity during the exercise.
He said being part of the National Council of Chiefs is a huge responsibility that needs a befitting candidate.
Mr Chikovo urged Chief Fuyana to learn from his predecessors and fellow chief council members who were in office before him.
“You came here to choose a leader and you have done that. The next thing is to support that leader. As chiefs, you represent the communities that you lead,” he said. “Traditionally, you become a chief because of agreed succession and tradition. Being a part of the National Council of Chiefs means you have graduated to governance.
“We are grateful that our traditional leaders have grasped all this. They are the only institution that is into tradition, governance and further into the judiciary. We hope that as the National Council of Chiefs, we will continue to diligently fulfil your mandate,” he said.
Online Reporter