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Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
CHIEFS from Manicaland unanimously elected Chief Makumbe of Buhera and Chief Mapungwana of Chipinge as the two members that will take up seats in the Senate.
The two traditional leaders were nominated by an electoral college of the provincial assembly comprising chiefs drawn from Manicland’s seven districts at Chiefs Hall in Mutare yesterday (Thursday) morning.
This will be the pair’s second successive term in the Senate.
Ten members of the Chiefs Council take up seats in the Senate.
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Manicaland Provincial Elections Officer, Mr Thompson Gwereweshe presided over the exercise.
Mr Gwereweshe said the process went on well.
“The chiefs’ provincial electoral college in Manicaland has nominated Chiefs Makumbe and Mapungwana as the two Senator Chiefs. The exercise was smooth as only two members were nominated.
“Subsequently, we did not have to go for an election as there were not more than two nominees, hence the pair was duly elected and declared Senator chiefs.
“Only substantive chiefs from Manicaland’s seven districts qualify for nomination or election as Senator chiefs,” said Mr Chiwereweshe.
Accepting his nomination, Chief Makumbe said he is humbled by the confidence his counterparts have shown in him.
“I am delighted that my colleagues in this province have presented me with another opportunity to represent them in Senate. Being elected for the second consecutive time proves that they have faith in my capabilities and are keen to see me continue with the work that I was doing in the previous term.
“It challenges me to continue working hard and ensure that we drive Manicaland’s development agenda.
“I was one of the proponents of the Marriages Act and will continue pushing for effective tackling of child marriages as this is one of the social ills bedevilling our province,” said Chief Makumbe.
Chief Mapungwana echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts in pushing Manicaland’s growth.
“Our province boasts mineral deposits and is also an agricultural and tourism hub. We can tap into all this and use it to spur Manicaland’s development while leaving no one and no place behind across the entire province,” he said.
Both chiefs commended the people of Manicaland for heeding President Mnangagwa’s call to uphold peace during this week’s harmonised elections.
They reiterated that the peaceful environment must be maintained throughout the election season.
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