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The young Oaheng succeeds his father Mr Lawrence Nare (Chief Marupi) who died in 2008.
Addressing hundreds of villagers who gathered for the installation ceremony at the Nare homestead, Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister, Dr Ignatious Chombo said the Government respects the institution of chiefs as custodians of traditional and cultural values.
“Government greatly respects chiefs and attaches great importance to the institution of chiefs, not only as custodians of our traditional and cultural values but also as an influential development endeavour. Chiefs should participate actively in the country’s development of their respective areas of jurisdiction,” said Dr Chombo.
He said chiefs had a supervisory role and should ensure that the country’s natural resources are used and exploited in accordance with the country’s laws.
“The chiefs are in office to adjudicate and resolve disputes relating to land in their respective areas. It is also the chiefs’ responsibility to assist development committees in all matters relating to planning and implementation of local development programmes,” said Dr Chombo.
Turning to the issue of drought, Dr Chombo urged villagers not to hesitate to take advantage of the Government Grain Loan Scheme.
He said that was the only way for now, of addressing the looming drought in Matabeleland South.
“We understand that this is a drought prone area and villagers should make use of the grain loan scheme. It should not worry you how and when you will pay back but we should all focus on alleviating hunger instead. You will pay back when you harvest well and no one can safely predict when that will be.
“The water situation in this area is also not good but I am glad that since this area now has a chief, he will work tirelessly with the Government and non-governmental organisations to ensure that there is an improved water and sanitation system,” said Dr Chombo.
He called on chiefs and other traditional leaders to take time and groom the young Chief Marupi who would officially take over Dibilashaba in 2014 when he turns 18.
“I am glad to note that while the appointment of Chief Marupi comes at a time when he is still a minor, he is surrounded by four substantive chiefs in Gwanda District who shall assist in grooming the young chief and also offer him guidance.
“May I also encourage Chief Marupi to read wider and take education to greater heights so that he can be an enlightened chief. In the meantime, his uncle Mr Molisa Samuel Nare will be acting chief and Oaheng will take over after two years,” said Dr Chombo.
Speaking at the same occasion, Governor for Matabeleland South Angeline Masuku urged villagers to support the chief as his installation meant the area could now partake in developmental projects.
“This area had no chief since 2008 when Oaheng’s father died. The Government greatly respects chiefs and as a community we should work with him for the development of our area,” said Governor Masuku.
Chief Marupi was born on 26 February 1996 and did his primary education at Selonga Primary School. He could not further his education due to financial problems after the death of his father.
The Marupi chieftainship dates back to a man named Daueatswala, of the Babirwa tribe, which when it crossed Shashe River from Botswana composed of Kalanga and Venda people.
Daueatsoala was succeeded by Makhure whose eldest son Makale succeeded him.
During Makale’s reign the tribe moved to Gubadu area near the confluence of Shashani and Shashe rivers in Botswana.
When Makale died, Silike took over and the tribe crossed Shashe River again and settled in Nehaka Makhure, Dibilashaba.
Silike was murdered by the Ndebele warriors, an incident that was condemned by King Lobengula who then summoned Mbulutsi to Bulawayo and installed him as chief.
Mbulutsi was succeeded by Marupi who when he died in 1943, could not be succeeded by his son who was too young and physically challenged.
A headman’s son acted for a year before he died also.
Marapela, the younger brother to Marupi, took over and ruled until his death in 1974 when the chieftainship reverted back to the Makhure house.
Mtateho, the eldest son of Makhure, ruled from 1976 to 1991 when he was relieved of his duties.
His eldest son Lawrence Silike Nare succeeded him in 1994 until his death in 2008, and has been succeeded by his eldest son Oaheng.
The area uses iSiNdebele and SeSotho as their main languages.
The director of traditional leaders in the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Mr Fanuel Mukwaira, Gwanda South Member of Parliament Orders Mlilo, Chiefs Mathe, Masuku, Mathema and Nhlamba, also attended the installation ceremony.
Online Reporter