Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
HEADMAN Masole from the Gongwe area in Gwanda rural has been officially installed, reviving the family’s headmanship, which collapsed 46 years ago.
Headman Masole, born Given Donald Maphosa, succeeds his late father, Davson Maphosa, who died in 1979 after being shot during the liberation struggle.
Speaking at the recent installation ceremony, Gwanda District Development Co-ordinator, Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu, emphasised the vital role headmen play in preserving traditional values and norms that underpin society.
“If a community lacks a headman, it means they are missing a key figure in upholding morality and humanity within the community. While chiefs have an oversight role, they cannot always be present and they preside over large areas — hence the need for headmen.
“The role of headmen also extends to development and other areas, including environmental conservation. Today, we face high rates of deforestation and environmental degradation, and a headman has an oversight role in addressing such issues,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu further noted that headmen are instrumental in driving development initiatives, which should originate at the grassroots level.
She said a headman is responsible for identifying a community’s development needs and priorities. Efforts are also underway to ensure that all headmanship posts are revived, as this is crucial to the district’s development agenda.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Mathema urged the newly installed Headman Masole to remain objective and guided by the Traditional Leaders Act and the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which clearly outline the functions and duties of traditional leaders.
He encouraged Headman Masole to uphold traditional values and treat his subjects fairly, while also supporting the Government’s development agenda in his area.
“To Headman Masole, I want you to understand the role you now hold in society. You are now a father figure, and people will look to you for justice, protection and guidance. Ensure that you handle cases in an objective and fair manner. The community will also expect you to lead development efforts,” said Chief Mathema.
He advised Headman Masole to lead with humility and seek guidance from fellow traditional leaders and elders. Likewise, he called on community members to respect their headman.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Zenzo Maphosa said it was an honour to see the headmanship reinstated.
“Our headmanship can be traced back to the era of King Lobengula, when Vumani was the first headman in the family. From Vumani, the headmanship was passed down to Masole, after whom the headmanship is named today.
“From Masole, it was passed down to Davson, the father of Given Donald Maphosa, who is being installed today.
Davson was killed during the liberation struggle in 1979. Since then, there has been no headman, and we are pleased that the role has now been revived,” he said.
Headman Masole said it was a great honour to carry forward the work left behind by his father and forefathers. He shared that it had always troubled him that the family’s traditional role as custodians of customs and traditions had been neglected.
He expressed his commitment to leading the community well and extended his gratitude to the Government for reinstating the family’s headmanship.
“I’m grateful to everyone who played a part in making this day a success. We had to engage the office of the District Development Co-ordinator and the chief to have this headmanship role revived. I’m pleased that the Government responded to our plea, and now we have reclaimed our role in leading the community. I promise to serve the people well,” he said.
