Chief Jahana burial arrangements explained

At the time of his death, Chief Jahana, born Solomon Khumalo, together with more than 8 000 of his subjects had relocated to their traditional roots in Matabeleland South province.
According to tradition, the late traditional leader who was buried at his old home in Gokwe at the weekend was supposed to have been buried at his home in Insiza, Matabeleland South province.
In an interview, Governor Machaya said Chief Jahana, who was a widower, was buried at his old home in Gokwe in accordance with his will.
“Traditionally, Chief Jahana was supposed to be laid to rest at his home in Insiza but in his will he had indicated that he wanted to be buried beside his late wife and this is why he was buried in Gokwe,” he said.
Governor Machaya dismissed some unconfirmed reports that there were clashes between Government and traditional leaders from Matabeleland South province and those from the Midlands province on the burial place of the departed chief.
“Everything was done after some consultations between the two provinces’ leadership and the Jahana family. It was agreed that Chief Jahana be buried in accordance with his will,” said Governor Machaya.
In her graveside eulogy, Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku told mourners that people in Matabeleland South wanted the late chief to be buried in Insiza but could not go against his will. “It was our wish as the people of Matabeleland South to have Chief Jahana laid to rest in his land but we could not go against his will,” she said.
About 1 000 mourners from the two provinces attended the chief’s burial ceremony.
Although Chief Jahana had moved to Insiza, he was yet to build a home as he was using a farmhouse located in Debshan Ranch.
Some of his people were using a compound just next to the farmhouse.