Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
MR Royal Nare (67) from Mawaza area in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South was Thursday installed as Chief Kgwatalala as the Government steps up efforts to resuscitate chieftainships that were either downgraded or abolished by the colonial government.
The Kgwatalala chieftaincy was downgraded to headmanship by the Rhodesian government in 1951. Under the Second Republic, the Government’s efforts to resuscitate chieftainships reflect a commitment to honouring and preserving the heritage and customs that were disrupted under colonial rule.
The Kgwatalala chieftaincy was restored to its original status on November 23, 2023 as the Government recognised the cultural and historical importance of traditional leadership structures.
Having served as headman since 1986, Chief Kgwatalala brings a wealth of experience to his new role. This change might foster greater community cohesion and strengthen local governance in the Gwanda District, which now boasts five substantive chiefs and one acting chief.
The installation ceremony was held at Chief Kgwatalala’s homestead in Mawaza Village. The event was attended by community members, school children, and traditional leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Nare family, Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi who is also Gwanda South legislator, said they were excited to have their identity and dignity restored.
“We would like to thank the Second Republic under the leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa for responding to our plight to have this chieftaincy revived. Today the Kgwatalala name has been bestowed the prestige which it deserves,” he said.
“This is a significant development, not only to the family but the Babirwa community, which is the Sotho community. This chieftaincy is our pride and identity.”
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe who presided over the proceedings said the Government is working on a programme to capacitate headmen and village heads.
He said headmen will receive motorbikes while village heads will receive bicycles.
Minister Garwe said his Ministry has also been assigned to develop proper courts and homesteads for chiefs.
“Today is a special day as we witness the upgrading and installation of Royal Nare as substantive Chief Kgwatalala.
“This event is a fulfilment of the promise which was made by the Government under the leadership of His Excellency the
President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa to resuscitate chieftainships that were abolished by the British Government,” said Minister Garwe.
Minister Garwe said traditional leaders remain critical in rural local governance.
“The Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act are the key statutory instruments regulating the operations of traditional leadership in Zimbabwe and traditional leaders are urged to operate within the confines of the law,” he said.
Minister Garwe said the Government has entrusted chiefs with the duty of overseeing the well-being of their communities and the state of development in their areas.
He said traditional leaders also have a critical role to play in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“A message that is coming from President Mnangagwa is that chiefs should lead their communities in the fight against drug and substance abuse. This country which President Mnangagwa said has to be built by its people is being built for our children, grandchildren and generations to come,” said Minister Garwe.
He commended Chief Kgwatalala for working well with his community with integrity, humility and respect during his headmanship tenure.
Speaking during the same occasion, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu urged the community to support and respect their new chief.
She said the installation of Chief Kgwatalala signifies the restoration of social and cultural values for the Babirwa community.
Dr Ndlovu said the absence of a traditional leader in any particular community results in lawlessness.
She said the recent revival of Manguba and Hikwa chieftaincies in Bulilima and the Kgwatalala chieftaincy in Gwanda is a sign of the Government’s commitment in including Matabeleland South in its development agenda.
“After this installation, I hope to see the Sotho culture and language being preserved within this community. We took over this country so that we could rule ourselves and so that our culture, language and traditions could be preserved. We have to uphold our traditional values,” said Dr Ndlovu.
“Our Government under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa is cognisant of historic injustices which took place under the colonial regime and he is working on ensuring that chieftainships are returned,” she said.
The president of the National Council of Chiefs Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo urged the new chief to be humble and work well with various stakeholders which include headmen, village heads, councillors, fellow chiefs, Government Ministries, departments, development partners, community development structures among other stakeholders.
Sen Chief Khumalo said the new chiefs will be trained to equip them with leadership skills.
“As chiefs, we must look out for the welfare of the people we lead. We have the programme known as Isiphala Senkosi which seeks to ensure that people have food to eat. Let’s not abuse this programme as traditional leaders and let’s ensure that it’s administered properly,” he said.
The Kgwatalala Chieftainship was downgraded to headmanship on 3 May 1951 by the colonial administration.
The Kgwatalala chieftainship was founded by Mulaba Nyathi of the Babirwa tribe.
Chief Mulaba Nyathi was succeeded by his son Kgwatalala who in turn was succeeded by his great-grandson Mulaukosi-Kgwatalala in 1932.
It was during the reign of Chief Mulaukosi-Kgwatalala that the Rhodesian government decided to downgrade the Kgwatalala chieftainship to a headmanship under Chief Mathe in May 1951. —@DubeMatutu
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