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THE 14th Chief Nerutanga, Mutizwa Mavhimira (97) was installed at a colourful ceremony characterised by pomp and funfair in Buhera last Friday.
The event, which attracted the who is who of Manicaland’s politicians and businesspeople, was held at Chishumba Primary School where the nonagenarian attended school up to Standard One.
Traditional dance groups, ZCC Mbungo Brass Band and school children took turns to entertain hundreds of people gathered for the ceremony, which put to rest the Nerutanga chieftainship wrangle that has some prominent politicians like Cdes Kenneth Manyonda and Misheck Mugadza as well as MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai as potential heirs to the throne as they are part of the family tree.
Mavhimira was installed as Chief Nerutanga by President Mugabe on May 27 to become the area’s 14th chief. He is one of the eight chiefs in Buhera.
The Nerutangas trace their roots from Chief Musikavanhu in Chipinge and migrated to their current land in search of greener pastures. They are hailed as peace-loving people as they were never involved in wars with any chiefs during thweir migration and stay in Buhera.
Representing the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Dr Ignatius Chombo, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, took a swipe at Mr Tsvangirai for betraying other family members who are well known Zanu-PF members and opt to lead opposition politics.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri urged the Nerutangas to join hands with their chief in developing the district, which is one of the worst affected by recurrent droughts.
“We are aware that the district did not have proper harvests during the just-ended rainy season and we want to assure everyone that no-one will starve. I want to take this opportunity to remind the new chief to ensure that Zunde Ramambo is well supported to cater for the needy in the district. As the chief, you should ensure that orphans and the less privileged members of the society are taken care of.
“I also want to take this opportunity to encourage people in drought stricken areas to grow small grains as they are assured of better harvests compared to traditional crops like maize,” she said.
Chief Nerutanga was reminded that it was his duty to superintend all his subjects including headmen and village heads.
“You should have regular meetings with them for you to keep abreast with all developments happening in the area under your jurisdiction. The village assembly meetings will help in championing development. All traditional rites should be followed,” she said.
She called on all traditional leaders to be transparent in resettling people.
“You should not abuse the powers bestowed on you especially in areas to do with resettlement of people. You should optimally utilise available resources and should not be partisan in settling disputes,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene, said about 500 families were in need of resettlement land in Buhera alone, but the district does not have any farms.
“We are aware of land shortages in this district, but we are however grateful that some people from this district were resettled in neighbouring districts of Chivhu, Chipinge, Makoni and Mutare.
“We expect work on the construction of Marovanyati Dam to resume soon so that irrigation schemes will be established to alleviate hunger,” she said.
Chief Nerutanga pledged to work together with all his subjects for the development of Buhera.
Online Reporter