Chief Shana, Matabeleland North icon gone too soon

A dark cloud fell upon Hwange District during the early hours of Sunday and spread across Matabeleland North and the nation at large following the death of one of the longest serving traditional leaders, Chief Shana III.

Based in Jambezi in Hwange, Chief Shana was set to turn 84 years old on July 1.

He died at MaterDei Hospital in Bulawayo and his death plunged the whole province into mourning as he and Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Bubi, who is Chiefs Council President, were the elders who gave advice to other traditional leaders and general citizens in Matabeleland North province.

Born Zondani Jonah Neluswi on July 1, 1940, Chief Shana III will be buried at his homestead on Saturday.

His body was transferred from Bulawayo to Hwange on Tuesday and will tomorrow lie in state at the homestead in Jambezi ahead of the burial that is expected to draw huge crowds from the community and Government.

President Mnangagwa has mourned the Chief and granted him a State-assisted funeral.

The President said he received with deep sadness news of the unexpected passing away of Chief Shana whom he said stood as a towering figure whose services went beyond the immediate jurisdiction of his chieftaincy to encompass the National Council of Chiefs and House of Assembly, which he served with distinction for many years.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, has said the granting of State-assisted funeral to Chief Shana is an honour to the province as it is testament of the commitment the traditional leader had for his country.

“I will be there at the funeral as we also expect the Chiefs Council and Local Government and Public Works Minister or officials to be there. The State-assisted funeral confirms his works as our leader as I said earlier that he was committed to working for his country and people,” said Minister Moyo.

He said Chief Shana respected and worked hard for Government while serving as the chair of the Provincial Chiefs Assembly and Senator.

“To the province he was a fountain of wisdom together with Chief Mtshane as the two gave advice to other traditional leaders in the province and beyond,” said Minister Moyo. Condolence messages continue to pour in as people console the Shana family and Jambezi community.

His family said it had lost a father who was pro-development and had great love for his subjects. The community has described the loss as a demise of a giant that gave them protection.

The Roman Catholic Church also sent a message of condolence to the Shana family saying he was supportive of the church to which he was once a member before joining the Apostolic Faith Church in Southern Africa.

“As the Catholic Diocese of Hwange, we hereby convey our condolences to the family of Chief Shana of Jambezi who passed on. Though no longer a practicing Catholic, Chief Shana was always very supportive of the Catholic Church programmes and endeavours. My sincere condolences to all the people of his jurisdiction as Chief,” said Bishop Raphael Ncube, of the Catholic Diocese of Hwange.

The Catholic Church in Hwange, in honour of Chief Shana, postponed a musical competition for Victoria Falls Deanery, which had been set for Sacred Heart Mission in Jambezi on Saturday.

Chief Shana III did his primary education in Jambezi and St Mary’s Lukosi where he completed Standard Six. He joined Hwange Colliery Company as a clerk in 1963 and left the company in 1997 as a community service officer.

He was installed Chief Shana III in 1984 and served until his death. He was a member of Parliament between 2005 and 2008 and Senator between 2008 and 2012.

From 2013 to 2023 he was chair of the provincial assembly in Matabeleland North. He also served as a member of The Parliamentary Select Committee on the new Constitution for Zimbabwe (Copac).

Chief Shana III is survived by wife, eight children, 23 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. —@ncubeleon