Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
THE recent installation of Mr Rendani Makhado as the substantive Headman Makhado of Beitbridge West, Ward 7 has brought to an end the long dispute over the rightful heir.
The throne had been vacant following the death of Rendani’s father, Benson Khathazo Makhado, in 2004.
At that time, his uncle Mr James Khorombi Makhado acted as headman but later died and his brother Gibson Makhado acted until he was relieved of the duties by Chief Tshitaudze for alleged violation of several administrative procedures.
The long wait ended when Chief Tshitaudze placed the traditional symbols of office on Rendani Makhado at a ceremony attended by scores of community members and Government agencies and development players last Sunday.
“Today we welcome the new incumbent. We say welcome to ‘Team Tshitaudze’, where we speak of hard work as we preserve our culture and push for development,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
“This headmanship has been vacant for quite some time and there was no substantive headman, hence this installation is a joyous and welcome development to the community of Masera, Ndambe and Beitbridge at large.”
In his speech, Chief Tshitaudze reminded everyone that headmen are not just for ceremonies but are a vital cog to drive development from the grassroots level.
“Under Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the Traditional Leaders’ Act, a headman has real duties to keep our customs, language, and traditions alive.
“They teach respect for elders, proper lobola processes, and how we bury our dead with dignity,” he said.
“The Government is giving more power to local communities and the Headmen work with Rural District Councils to bring development projects to their wards – like boreholes, clinics, and roads.
“Through the ‘Not in My Village’ programme with the National AIDS Council, headmen lead the fight against child pregnancies, child abuse, and gender-based violence. They make sure every girl child can go to school safely.”
Chief Tshitaudze said when clinics have no drugs or schools need help, the headman is the first person people run to who links the community to Government, NGOs, and local authorities.
In some instances, headmen mediate family fights, livestock disputes, boundary issues, and other customary matters before they reach the courts.
The chief said Headman Makhado must now work with his 22 village heads to push progress in education, health, farming, business, water, and sanitation.
“The installation of Headman Makhado also brings good news for culture. Having no substantive headman for so long made things difficult for the community under his jurisdiction and now we have someone we can work with,” he said.
Headman Makhado’s area falls under Chief Tshitaudze’s chieftainship and the district has three chieftainships, 10 headman, and over 500 village heads.
The Government is reviving the Khwalu Chieftaincy, showing that traditional leadership is getting more recognition and support.
Chief Tshitaudze encouraged Headman Makhado to be available, accessible, and kind to community members.
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“A headman must be respected, not feared. There must always be mutual respect between the headman, chief, and community,” he said.
“There must always be a mutual relationship between the Headman and the Chief and all community leaders.”
