Domboshava headman installed

Victor Maphosa

Mashonaland East Bureau

TRADITIONAL leaders must continue being custodians of cultural values and norms as well as facilitating development in areas under their jurisdiction, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has said.

He made the call during a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Mr Tavabarira Kutamahufa, during the installation of substantive Headman Shumba of Ward 3 , Goromonzi district.

The third Headman Shumba was born Wise Shumba on May 10, 1955 at Makumbe Mission Hospital and his installation took place at Tsatse Primary School in Domboshava, Goromonzi district last week.

Minister Garwe said the installation of headman Shumba was long overdue.

“The Shumba headmanship had taken long without replacement which has left the area longing for a traditional leader for advisory role and support in the development of the area under ward 3. The Shumba headmanship is patrilineal with three houses that rotate according to their order of seniority. Records show that only two incumbents ruled as headman Shumba so far.

“As the traditional head of the community, the headman shall assist the chief to carry out his duties in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act and be responsible in his area. He shall promote and hold cultural values among members of the community under his jurisdiction, particularly the preservation of culture, norms and values.

“He shall recommend to the chief, persons for appointment as village heads and where appropriate, to recommend their removal from office. He also shall keep an up to date register of villages and village heads under his jurisdiction and to keep the Chief and the Rural District Council informed of any changes to the register.”

Minister Garwe said the 2013 constitution recognised the important role played by the institution of the traditional leadership in Zimbabwe especially in rural governance and custody of customs and tradition.

Headman Wise Shumba is succeeding Philemon Muvhuri who died in 2021 after he was installed in 1992.