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Auxilia Katongomara, Sunday News Reporter
DUMISANI Basil Ndondo has been installed as Chief Ndondo of Mbembesi amid calls for him to preserve the Xhosa culture.
Ndondo (37), was installed as Chief Ndondo two years after the death of his uncle Dr Neville Ndondo.
Speaking at a colourful ceremony last week, Rural Development Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Minister, Abednico Ncube, who was guest of honour, urged traditional leaders to preserve their culture.
“As the traditional head, Chief Ndondo, you are therefore expected to safeguard and promote your isiXhosa cultural practices and values. IsiXhosa is one of the 16 officially recognised languages in Zimbabwe hence it is a vehicle that transmits Xhosa culture and traditions. It should be promoted,” said Cde Ncube.
He said as the ministry responsible for promotion and preservation of culture they encouraged the safeguarding of male circumcision as one of the trademark practices in IsiXhosa intangible cultural heritage.
The installation ceremony was also attended by Xhosa King , Zwelonke Sigcawu of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Dumisani Basil Ndondo was born in 1979 and did his junior certificate at Mckeurtain in Bulawayo from 1985 to 1991.
He proceeded to Zingwena High School from 1992 to 1999 and Founders College where he completed his high school education. He temporarily joined the education sector between 2000 and 2001 before joining the Crafters Printers between 2001 and 2003 before relocating to South Africa in 2004.
In South Africa, Ndondo joined several financial institutions namely FNB, Momentum and Discovery as a financial consultant from 2004 to 2013. He also worked briefly for the South African Independent Electoral Commission and Thembertech Motors before coming back home in 2014 soon before the untimely death of Dr Ndondo.
Ndondo did not take over the chieftaincy after the death of his father Michael, the third Chief Ndondo, according to their succession custom as he was still a minor and therefore not ready to take up the post.
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Cain Mathema who was also present at the installation ceremony, challenged chiefs to support Government programmes and initiatives.
Cde Mathema said all chiefs must work with the Government. Area’s legislator Cde Obert Mpofu openly attacked Chief Ndiweni saying he does not recognise him as a chief in his area.
“As far as I know, I only recognise two chiefs in my constituency, Chief Deli and Chief Ndondo, the other one I don’t know because he was never installed. A chief is a chief for the people not because one came from London or they studied English,” said Cde Mpofu. He encouraged the newly installed chief to work with the people and support Government initiative.
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