Chief Shana was a pro-development leader: Family

THE family of Chief Shana III of Jambezi in Hwange, Matabeleland North, has said it has lost a father who was pro-development and led his people with dignity.

Born Zondani Jonah Neluswi on July 1, 1940, Chief Shana III died in Bulawayo on Sunday at Mater Dei Hospital where he was admitted for the past month.

He was 83.

Chief Shana III was a former chair of the Matabeleland North Chiefs Provincial Assembly, Member of Parliament and Senator.

His son, Mr Cornelius Neluswi, said Chief Shana, who was on sugar diabetes and hypertension medication, fell ill last month and was rushed to hospital.

“We got a call just after midnight from our siblings who were with him in Bulawayo that he had passed on. He had complained about not feeling well saying he was weak and exhausted and that is when we rushed him to hospital. We are waiting to hear from the doctors on what they had diagnosed. All we know is that he was on treatment for sugar diabetes and hypertension, which we were always monitoring,” said Mr Neluswi.

He said the Chief was a straightforward man who endeared with his subjects because of the way he justly handled issues.

“My father was a gentle man who was straightforward and would call a spade a spade. He was known for his just advice but he did not mix his work with family matters. He was a father figure, someone who everyone looked up to.

“We don’t remember him clashing with any of his subjects or workmates. When he retired from work, he came home and was always a father to us all. He played his role as a father despite his high status in the community. He was pro-development and focused on development projects for the betterment of his community,” said Mr Neluswi.

He said his father was a hands-on leader who led from the front as he encouraged his subjects to value farming and avoid hunger.

Chief Shana III was one of the established crop farmers in Hwange and had a viable garden at his homestead.

Every year, he was recognised by Agritex for leading small grains production.

As such, some heads of Government departments in Hwange including Agritex and Veterinary Services were the first Government officials to visit his homestead to offer their condolences.

Mr Neluswi said mourners are gathered in Pumula South in Bulawayo and at the Chief’s homestead in Jambezi.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, Mr Neluswi said.

He said since the Chief was a public figure, they were waiting for guidance from the Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

Meanwhile, Chiefs Council president, Mtshane Khumalo described Chief Shana III as an icon of traditional leadership in the country.

Chief Shana III did his primary education in Jambezi and St Mary’s Lukosi where he finished Standard Six.