Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve ,Victoria Falls Reporter
TRIUMPHANT ululations and the weight of history filled the air this Friday as 31-year-old Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa was finally installed as the substantive Chief Mvuthu, ending an 11-year family dispute that sought to deny her the throne simply because of her gender.
Clad in the symbolic red robe, chain and hat of chieftaincy, with the royal rod firmly in her grasp, Chief Mvuthu stood tall, a light of resilience and constitutional triumph.
Her appointment by President Mnangagwa, effective from May 16, 2024, was confirmed by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, closing a painful chapter of leadership limbo in the Mvuthu chieftaincy.
She now stands as the first female substantive chief in Matabeleland North and the eighth in Zimbabwe, joining four others in Matabeleland South who have shattered the same glass ceiling.
The ceremony at the Mlotshwa homestead on the outskirts of Victoria Falls was a moment of vindication for Ms Mlotshwa, who had fought tirelessly to claim her rightful place after the death of her father, Chief Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, in March 2014.
For years, traditionalists had resisted her ascension, arguing that Ndebele custom did not permit a woman to lead.
But the courts, guided by Section 56 of the Constitution, which enshrines gender equality—ruled in her favour, setting a historic precedent.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavhunga, officiated the installation, presenting Chief Mvuthu with her regalia before handing her the keys to a brand-new Government allocated vehicle.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Mavhunga highlighted Chief Mvuthu’s background and the expectations of her role.
“Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa being installed today as Chief Mvuthu was born on the 5 December 1994 here in Hwange District
“She is a role model to the youth, having served as a community teacher and later with the Jafuta Foundation, where she worked tirelessly to empower women and children,” he said.
He emphasised that traditional leaders are no longer mere custodians of culture but must actively champion development.
“Traditional Leaders are not to be seen as mere custodians of our cultural and traditional values anymore but must be champions of development in their areas
“They must attend council meetings, liaise, and be supportive of all existing Government structures and agencies in their areas,” he said.
The Deputy Minister urged the Mvuthu family to set aside past conflicts and support their new leader.
“Chief Mvuthu, your leadership must be rooted in integrity, honesty, transparency, and a commitment to the development of your community,” he said.
The President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo reflected on the long battle that led to this moment:
“We were installing one of the first, if not the first, substantive female chief in Matabeleland North. This followed a protracted family dispute over succession, rooted in the belief that Ndebele custom excludes women from chieftaincy. However, Section 56 of the Constitution guarantees equality, and the High Court directed us to uphold this principle. Chief Mvuthu’s persistence and the court’s wisdom have rewritten tradition in line with our supreme law,” he said.
For Chief Mvuthu, the journey has been one of personal growth and unwavering determination.
A former community teacher and women’s rights advocate with the Jafuta Foundation, her passion for empowering women and children has always been at the core of her leadership.
“I was fighting for this for 11 years. Those struggles shaped me. They taught me that no one will fight for you, you must rise and claim your place. I am here not to dictate, but to serve. My vision is to continue uplifting women and children, ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve,” she said.
She also paid tribute to those who stood by her, including the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and supporters who believed in her cause.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to every young girl who dreams of leading, to every woman told she cannot,” she said.
