Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
A BID by a Makoni woman to assume a village headship position has been dismissed by Chief Makoni, who ruled that under VaUngwe customs, traditional leadership roles are generally reserved for men, except under special or exceptional circumstances.
The ruling followed a challenge by Moses Nyarota against the appointment of Lloyd Govheya Nyarota as village head-elect of Nyarota Village.
Moses argued before Chief Makoni’s community court that the position should have gone to his elder sister, Lena Nyarota, whom he described as the senior-most member of the family and a suitable candidate for the role.
“We are opposed to Lloyd’s appointment because there is an elder sister in the family who should be considered first. She is the father figure in our family and is interested in the position,” said Moses.
He said the matter had previously been raised before Headwoman Mupambawahle, but remained unresolved.
Moses further argued that the prolonged leadership vacuum in the village was affecting development.
“The village has gone for a long time without a leader and we are losing development opportunities because of that. Our understanding as the Nyarota clan is that the eldest qualifying family member assumes the position. If a woman qualifies, she can be appointed, although no woman has ever occupied the post in our history,” he said.
A senior clan member, Jasper Nyarota, also told the court that there was no known precedent of a woman being appointed village head within the family lineage.
During the proceedings, Lena’s son, Chipo, attempted to support his mother’s claim. However, he was advised by the court that, as a nephew, he had no direct standing in matters relating to the succession dispute within the Nyarota clan.
In response, Lloyd traced the history of leadership succession within the village and argued that the position rightfully belonged to him.
He maintained that succession had never been based solely on age and that historical records demonstrated that being the eldest family member did not automatically guarantee appointment to the post.
Lloyd also pointed out that no woman had ever been installed as village head within the lineage.
Delivering his ruling, Chief Makoni sided with Lloyd, saying the application could not succeed because it conflicted with the customs and traditions of the VaUngwe people.
“As the VaUngwe people, we have established customs, traditions and beliefs that guide us. Traditional leadership positions are reserved for men. Women can only be appointed in special or exceptional circumstances,” he said.
Chief Makoni added that while gender equality is increasingly being recognised in many areas of society, traditional leadership succession within the community remains governed by customary practices.
“Even though there is discussion around gender equality, there are areas governed by tradition and custom. Lloyd is therefore confirmed as the substantive Sabhuku Nyarota,” ruled Chief Makoni.
