Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Hwange
THE infant rays of a winter morning sun at the Chief Mvuthu homestead, found on the outskirts of Victoria Falls, created a sense of newness and hope as a historic and deeply emotional ceremony took centre stage yesterday.
At just 31 years of age, Silibaziso Mlotshwa was installed as the substantive Chief Mvuthu, a move that not only defied tradition, patriarchy, and an 11-year family dispute but also ushered in a new chapter not only for her community but for Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Dressed in striking black and white traditional attire with her head held high, Mlotshwa stood before a gathering of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and community members. Many of these people had once opposed the idea of a woman ascending to the chieftaincy.
Her appointment, made by President Mnangagwa, became effective on 16 May this year, finally bringing an end to a long-standing leadership vacuum. Mlotshwa is now the first female substantive chief in Matabeleland North and the eighth in Zimbabwe, with four others already serving in Matabeleland South Province.
The ceremony marked an emotional moment for a community that had been without a substantive leader since the passing of Ms Mlotshwa’s father, Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, in March 2014.
For over a decade, Bishop Matata Sibanda served as acting chief while internal family disputes — rooted in Ndebele customs that traditionally exclude women from chieftaincy — delayed the installation of a rightful successor.
The path to this day was far from easy, with Mlotshwa fighting tirelessly for her right to lead and challenging deeply entrenched cultural norms.
“For 11 years, I was fighting for the chieftaincy. They were hard years, but it was sort of a training. It challenged me to come out of the box, to realise that no one was going to do it for me. I had to do it myself,” she told Zimpapers in an exclusive interview following the ceremony. Her determination led her to seek intervention from the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the courts, which ultimately ruled in her favour.
Their ruling cited Section 56 of the Constitution, which guarantees gender equality. “The courts advised us as a provincial assembly to revisit Section 56 of the Constitution, which provides for equality even in our cultural issues. We had no option but to abide by the Constitution, which supersedes all statutes,” explained Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs.
The installation ceremony was lively and rich in cultural symbolism. Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavhunga, officiated the event, adorning the new chief with the traditional red robe, chain, and hat — symbols of her authority.
He also presented her with the chieftaincy rod and handed over the keys to a brand-new vehicle allocated by the Government. This underscored the state’s support for traditional leaders in their developmental roles.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Mavhunga highlighted Chief Mvuthu’s background and the expectations of her leadership.
“Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa, being installed today as Chief Mvuthu, was born on 5 December 1994 here in Hwange District. She is a role model to the youth, having served as a community teacher and later with the Jafuta Foundation, where she worked tirelessly to empower women and children,” he said.
He emphasised that traditional leaders must now be seen not only as custodians of culture but as active agents of development.
“Traditional leaders are not to be seen as mere custodians of our cultural and traditional values anymore, but must be champions of development in their areas. They must attend council meetings, liaise, and be supportive of all existing Government structures and agencies in their areas,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also called on the Mvuthu family to put aside past conflicts and rally behind their new leader.
“Chief Mvuthu, your leadership must be rooted in integrity, honesty, transparency, and a commitment to the development of your community,” he said.
Chief Mvuthu, for her part, expressed a deep passion for community service.
“I was a community teacher because I love dealing with people. I love children. I love leadership. Working with the Jafuta Foundation was not just a job for me; it was something I enjoyed, something that’s in me. I love giving back to the community,” she said.
Her vision for the chieftaincy is centred on uplifting women and children. “I am a young leader here to serve my community, not to dictate,” she said. “I want to continue working with organisations that promote young women and children. We have to teach them now so they grow up empowered. I hope I am going to serve them in the best way possible.”
For Chief Mvuthu, the journey ahead may be daunting, but her resolve remains firm. “I am grateful for these struggles because they made me realise the problems people face,” she reflected. “Now, I am ready to lead.”
