Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
THOUSANDS gathered at Chigara Primary School in Chivhu to witness the installation of Chief Kareya.
Born Jellas Rushwaya, he becomes the eighth substantive Chief Kareya following his formal appointment to the office by President Mnangagwa in December last year after the community agreed that he was the right person to take the chieftainship.
On Monday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe officiated at the installation ceremony, which was also graced by the Deputy president of the National Council of Chiefs Senator Fortune Charumbira, Chikomba West Member of Parliament and Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetere, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, traditional leaders and several church organisations.
Minister Garwe outlined and emphasised the importance of the role played by Chiefs in promoting and upholding cultural values.
“To the newly appointed Chief, your role as the traditional head of the community in your jurisdiction, you shall, in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act, be responsible in this area for, among others: to promote and uphold cultural values among members of the community under your jurisdiction, particularly the preservation of the extended family and promotion of traditional family life.
“The Chief is also to supervise his headmen and village heads in the performance of their duties, discharging any functions conferred upon him in terms of the customary Law and Local courts and has to ensure that communal land is allocated in accordance with Part III of the Communal Lands Act and that the requirements of any enactment in force for the use and occupation of communal or resettlement land are observed.
“He should prevent any unauthorised settlement or use of communal land. He nominates headmen for appointment in terms of this Act and has to approve nominations by headman of village heads for appointment in terms of this Act,” he said.
The Chief must also ensure that land and its natural resources are used and exploited in terms of the law and in particular, controlling over-grazing, over-cultivation, illegal settlement and the indiscriminate destruction of flora and fauna.
“He also has to adjudicate in, and resolve disputes relating to land in his area, has to ensure that all public property, including roads and bridges, telephone and electricity lines, dip tanks and animal health centres, clinics, churches, cattle sale pens, schools and related establishments are not damaged, destroyed or misused by the inhabitants or livestock.
“The Chief has to perform such other functions as may be prescribed or any as may be assigned to him in terms of any,” Minister Garwe said.
He urged the Chief to promote love, peace and unity among his subjects.
In his remarks, Advocate Ndudzo urged the Chief to work towards the development of Mashonaland East.
“The path ahead is indeed a noble one. Chief Kareya, your leadership will be instrumental in building a prosperous Mashonaland East and contributing to the broader vision of Zimbabwe 2030.
“Your role as a chief extends beyond tradition; it encompasses the vital duties of fostering development, nurturing community cohesion, and driving progress in your jurisdiction,” he said.
Senator Charumbira urged the people to give the Chief all the support, as well respecting him and his office.
“As you might know, even in the Bible, Chiefs are recognised. They are supposed to be respected. So please, I appeal to all of you here to respect our Chiefs.
“I am happy today that we are gathered here to witness this event. I urge the Chief to treat everyone fairly with respect and love.”
