Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE process of installing a chief from the Khwalu royal lineage in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South, has hit a brick wall with two rival camps emerging with different nominees to be crowned.
At the moment Beitbridge District has two chiefs — Tshithaudze in Beitbridge West and Matibe in Beitbridge East — all supervising 10 headmen and nearly 500 village heads.
It is envisaged that the new chief will administer wards 8, 9, 10, and 11, while Chief Tshitaudze will administer wards 4, 6, 7, 12, and 14.
At the moment all the mentioned wards fall under Chief Tshitaudze’s jurisdiction.
The revival of Khwalu chieftaincy was initiated by former Beitbridge RDC Councillor, Amon Ndou.
However, another faction has emerged being led by Kenos Ndou who is also claiming the throne.
As a result, the District Development Co-ordinator’s (DDC) office has enlisted the services of the Chiefs Council to resolve the matter.
This was revealed by the DDC, Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu while upraising stakeholders attending a Beitbridge RDC full council meeting on Tuesday.
“We have started the process of resuscitating the Khwalu chieftaincy,” said Mrs Mafu.
“The process was going on well and we had started with the paperwork to appoint one Amon Ndou as the new chief, however, some members of the family have raised an objection.
“They have brought up the name of one Kenos Ndou of the Tshivule family. So, we have referred the issue to the provincial chiefs’ council for intervention.”
It is understood that the revival of the Khwalu chieftaincy is a significant move to recognise and preserve the cultural heritage of the Khwalu people.
In addition, it is part of the Government’s efforts to empower traditional leaders and promote community development.
Indications are that the Khwalu chieftaincy was abolished in the early 1950s during the colonial era, after Chief Chibhude Khwalu had conflicts with the colonial administration.
