Tendai Gukutikwa
Luthando Mapepa
Post Correspondent
GOVERNMENT, through the Local Government and Public Works Ministry, is currently undertaking an ‘emplacement process” in four chieftainships to pave way for the allocation of territory to the recently installed Chief Ngungunyana, of Chipinge District.
The emplacement process involves reallocation of former commercial farming areas back under the authority of traditional leaders.
The initiative is taking place within the jurisdictions of chiefs Mapungwana, Mutema, Musikavanhu, and the newly reinstated Chief Ngungunyana.
Chief Ngungunyana, born Happy Nxumalo (46), was officially installed as a substantive traditional leader last year.
His chieftainship marked the revival of the historic Gaza Empire, bringing the number of recognised chieftainships in Chipinge to eight.
Despite his installation, Chief Ngungunyana had no designated territory and subjects, prompting Government to initiate the current emplacement process. This process aims to define and allocate the traditional area for his leadership.
Acting Manicaland Provincial Director for Local Government Services and Administration, Mr John Misi confirmed the ongoing exercise.
“The process will, not only benefit Chief Ngungunyana, but also the other chiefs within this strategic territory, as they are neighbouring chieftaincies. The resettlement area in question has not been under any chief’s jurisdiction and will now be shared.
“We are currently at the boundary description stage, which is being handled by a technical team appointed by the ministry. At this stage, there are no changes involving village heads or headmen. This is purely a consultative process initiated by Government, and once complete, His Excellency, the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially gazette the changes,” said Mr Misi. In an interview, Chief Ngungunyana expressed gratitude to Government for resuscitating the chieftaincy, abolished by colonial administration of Mr Ian Douglas Smith.
“First, I would like to thank Government for their efforts in retaining the Ngungunyana chieftainship in Chipinge, which was abolished by the white supremacy. As the Nxumalo dynasty, we are happy that our chieftainship is back after a long struggle to retain it. We are grateful for Government’s efforts so far,” he said, adding that he is willing to work with all traditional leadership in Chipinge and beyond.
“Government is currently working with us and other traditional leaders in Chipinge to set up new boundaries. We pledge to work with everyone for the development of our respective communities. We must all know that we are one, and as traditional leaders, we will serve the interests of our communities and nation at large,” he said.
The Ngungunyana chieftaincy was revived after 129 years of banishment.
The revived territory borders various traditional lands between Chipinge and Chimanimani districts. Historically, the name Ngungunyana dates back to the 19th century during the reign of King Ngungunyana Nxumalo – the last monarch of the Gaza Empire, also known as the Nguni Empire or the Nxumalo Kingdom.
Known for his military strategy and resistance to European colonisation, King Ngungunyana was ultimately captured by Portuguese forces in 1895 and exiled to Portugal, where he died in 1906.
Chief Ngungunyana said he is ready to lead his people with wisdom and courage, drawing inspiration from the heroic exploits of his forbearers.
“The Ngungunyana Clan’s unique rich traditions and customs will continue to thrive, thanks to the tireless efforts of its people, and adequate support from Government to revitalise abolished chieftainships. I will revive the rich traditions and customs of my ancestors. Our traditions and customs are indeed unique and need to be preserved as such,” said the youthful traditional leader.
The Ngungunyana people’s practices are unique and distinct from those of surrounding Ndau people in Chipinge and Chimanimani and other traditional leaders in the province.
King Ngungunyana Nxumalo – the last monarch of the Gaza Empire is historically linked to other iconic southern African leaders, including Zwangendaba of the Nguni, Mzilikazi of the Ndebele, and Sebetwane of the Kololo.
The Ngungunyana people trace their lineage to Soshangane, who fled Nguniland during the Mfecane period.
Soshangane established the Gaza State in south-eastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique, integrating with the Ndau people, and leaving a legacy that is being reawakened through the reinstatement of Chief Ngungunyana.
Online Reporter