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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
FOUR young chiefs in Matabeleland South who have been elected into the National Chiefs Council have vowed to promote the preservation of cultural values in carrying out their duties.
Thirty-six chiefs were recently duly elected to the National Council of Chiefs across the country. Five chiefs were elected in each of the provinces of Matabeleland North, Masvingo, and the Midlands.
Four were chosen in each of the following provinces: Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland West.
The stage is now set for the elections to choose the president and deputy president of the National Council of Chiefs Council.
In Matabeleland South Chief Sitauze (30) from Beitbridge, Chief Bidi (30) from Kezi, Chief Mpini (27) from Bulilima and Chief Ndube (38) from Insiza, the only female chief, made it to the National Council of Chiefs.
The quartet took over the reins from Chief Masuku from Gwanda district, Chief Masendu from Bulilima district, Chief Nyangazonke from Matobo district, and Chief Gwebu of Insiza district.
The province has 26 substantive chiefs out of a chieftainship establishment of 31.
Chief Ndube, said her election into National Chief’s Council is a great honour, which is also an indication that the role of women in leadership positions is recognised. “It’s very important for me to be in the Chief’s Council, especially considering that I’m a woman. To be entrusted with such a huge responsibility shows that we have come a long way as a country in terms of valuing the role of women in leadership,” she said.
“My journey to chieftainship wasn’t easy as some people resisted by ascension simply because I am a woman. I’m glad that my fellow chiefs value my input and I assure them that I will represent them very well.”
Chief Bidi said the chiefs that have served before them have done a sterling job in preserving cultural values despite Westernisation.–@DubeMatutu
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter