Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Zimpapers Writer
MR Christopher Mazibisa Dube was installed as Headman Tshaka under Chief Magama area in Tsholotsho District, Matabeleland North Province, during a colourful ceremony held at his homestead last Wednesday.
Headman Tshaka takes over from his uncle, Charles Mazibisa Dube and will oversee 10 villages under his jurisdiction. His installation comes at a time when traditional leaders are increasingly being called upon to safeguard community resources, maintain cultural values and promote development in rural areas.
In his acceptance speech, Headman Tshaka pledged to bring meaningful change to the community, warning against the exploitation of local resources by a few individuals at the expense of the wider population.
“We have some greedy individuals residing among us, who are taking everything and opening businesses, benefitting from our resources at the expense of the community. I am going to work with Chief Magama and the District Development Co-ordinator, to ensure that community members benefit from their own resources,” he said.
He also highlighted pressing concerns around land management, particularly the shortage of grazing land and reports of some village heads parcelling out land illegally in exchange for kickbacks.
“I am aware of community leaders who are parcelling out land in return for kickbacks, and in the process depriving locals of grazing land. I have already engaged Chief Magama about the matter and we will work together to stop these practices,” said Headman Tshaka.
The installation ceremony was attended by villagers, community leaders, local Government officials and learners from Tsholotsho High School, who celebrated the occasion with traditional song and dance.
Headman Manzimahle, who also attended the event, expressed confidence in the newly installed traditional leader.
“We believe he will work hard to uplift the lives of people in our communities and protect the integrity of our land,” he said.
