Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
IN a landmark event that signifies a powerful shift in cultural norms and gender equality in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) celebrated the official inauguration of Silibaziso Mlotshwa as Chief Mvuthu on August 15, 2025.
The ceremony marked the end of an 11-year leadership deadlock and broke a centuries-old gender barrier in traditional leadership structures, making Mlotshwa the first woman to assume the chieftaincy in the Mvuthu area.
The guest speaker of the event was Hon Albert Mavunga, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. In his address, he emphasized the significance of Chief Mvuthu’s installation for promoting gender equality in leadership and highlighted the vital role traditional leaders play in community development.
Hon Mavunga called on all leaders to actively support initiatives that empower women and children, celebrating Chief Mvuthu’s ascension as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, shared the journey walked on the Mvuthu Chieftainship, noting that the process sensitised them on Section 56 on gender equality and non-discrimination. While they had followed all other laws, it was brought to their attention that the Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, upheld the rights of women, including in chieftaincy.
The occasion was further marked by the presence of top officials from the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, led by the Chairperson, Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, Commissioner Chief Chikwizo, Dr Commissioner Nyangulu, and CEO Virginia Muwanigwa, as well as the Matabeleland Provincial staff, led by Dalubuhle Sibanda.
The Commission has been instrumental in the ongoing fight for gender equality and social justice, lending additional significance to the historic ceremony.
The installation of Chief Mvuthu was made possible by the ascension and appointment by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, a steadfast champion of gender equality.
His commitment to empowering women by appointing authorities in accordance with the Traditional Leaders Act Chapter 29:17, which ensures inclusive and representative leadership at all levels, has thus become practical.
His visionary support continues to inspire progress toward greater gender balance and social justice across the nation.
A win for equality
Silibaziso Mlotshwa’s journey to the chieftaincy has not been easy.
Born on December 5, 1994, she is the daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Nyangayesizwe Mlotshwa, who passed away in March 2014.
Following his death, leadership of the area was temporarily handed to Acting Chief Bishop Sibanda while succession deliberations took place. Despite being the late Chief’s eldest child, Silibaziso was initially sidelined due to her gender.
According to Ndebele customs, which have traditionally followed a male primogeniture system, chieftaincy is inherited by the first-born son.
With no male heir, the Mlotshwa family proposed Silibaziso’s uncle, Sanders Mlotshwa, who had lived in South Africa for over two decades.
Silibaziso, however, challenged this nomination, arguing that she was unfairly discriminated against purely because she is a woman, a violation of her constitutional rights under Section 56(3), which prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, customs, or practices.
Legal battle and groundbreaking ruling
Determined to stand up for her rights, Slibaziso took the matter to the High Court.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission received a complaint on the gender violations emanating from the case and an investigation was conducted.
The findings highlighted that the succession dispute had to be resolved, not just through tradition but in alignment with Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which prioritises gender equality.
The High Court ruling in Case HC921/18 reinforced Silibaziso’s position, and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission actively monitored and engaged with local governance structures, including the Traditional Leaders Council, the District Development Committee, to ensure that the process upheld constitutional values and gender equality was promoted and protected.
A historic moment for Zimbabwe
The successful appointment of Chief Mvuthu is not only a personal victory for Silibaziso Mlotshwa but also a significant moment for the nation.
It signals progress in dismantling harmful patriarchal customs and affirms that traditional leadership can evolve to be inclusive and representative.
“This inauguration is a fulfillment of our Constitution, which promotes gender equality. We are proud to witness this moment,” said ZGC Chairperson, Margaret Mukahanana Sangarwe, during an interview with ZBC.
“We hope this sets a precedent and inspires more communities to consider qualified women for traditional leadership roles.”
Interestingly, while Chief Mvuthu is the first substantive female Chief in Matabeleland North, she is actually the fifth in Matabeleland and the seventh in Zimbabwe.
The others are: the late Chief Ndube of Insiza, who passed away earlier this year; Chief Hikwa of Bulilima; Chief Mabhena of Umzingwane; Chief Mathe of Gwanda; Chief Charehwa of Mutoko; and Chief Chimukoko of Mudzi, both in Mashonaland East province.
This shows that culture is dynamic and leadership should reflect this. Gradual responsiveness was also shown when the late Chief Ndube became the first female member of the Chiefs Council.
Looking ahead
As Chief Mvuthu, Silibaziso Mlotshwa now holds the responsibility of leading her community into a new era, one that embraces equality, justice, and inclusive development.
Her leadership marks a bold step forward in the struggle for gender equality in Zimbabwe, and her story will no doubt serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission remains committed to its mission of promoting and protecting gender rights and will continue to advocate for the elimination of discriminatory practices that hinder women from attaining leadership roles in all sectors of society.
