Chief Sivalo dies

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
CHIEF Solomon Sivalo Mahlangu from Nkayi District in Matabeleland North, who reigned for a remarkable 74 years, has died.
He was 97.Chief Sivalo, probably the longest serving chief in the country, succumbed to pneumonia on Monday afternoon at Bulawayo’s Hillside Premier Hospital where he was admitted for a day, his daughter Sibonokuhle Mpofu confirmed yesterday.

“He was attacked by pneumonia and was admitted to Premier Hospital on Sunday at 12PM and died the following day at 12:45PM,” said Mpofu.

She said her father, who was installed in 1940, aged 23, did not show any sign of illness as he passed through the city on Saturday after attending installation of Chief Mutendi in Gokwe.

The chief’s cousin Gareth Mahlangu said Chief Sivalo’s death had left a gap that will be hard to fill as he was a loving, receptive and understanding leader to both his family and community. Mahlangu said the family was yet to meet over his burial arrangements.

“We’re yet to meet as a family over his burial but our plan is to leave Bulawayo on Friday for burial on Saturday in Nkayi,” he said.

Nkayi District Administrator Artwell Moses described Chief Sivalo’s death as a great loss to Matabeleland region and the entire country saying he was one of the longest serving chiefs.

“He was installed as chief on July, 2, 1940 and is one of the longest serving chiefs in the country. His death is quite a loss,” he said.

Mourners are gathered at his Bulawayo house in Lobengula West at Number 4116.