Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
A SOMBRE cloud hung over Sogwala Village in Lower Gweru yesterday as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to the late Chief Sogwala, born Mdatshulwa Gwizi, who passed away at the age of 92.
The respected traditional leader died at his homestead last Sunday after a long illness, marking the end of a reign that began in 1981. His burial ceremony drew a cross-section of mourners from across the Midlands Province and beyond, including senior Government officials, traditional leaders, church members and villagers.
Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral were the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, Vungu Constituency legislator, Cde Brown Ndlovu and Midlands Provincial Chiefs’ Council chairperson, Chief Ngungumbane.
Speaker after speaker paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Sogwala, describing him as a wise, humble, and unifying figure who epitomised the values of Ubuntu.
Minister Ncube said the late chief was an exemplary leader and an impeccable fountain of wisdom with reliable institutional memory.
“On behalf of the Midlands Province and indeed on my own behalf, allow me to express my deepest condolences to the Gwizi family and friends on the untimely departure of our mentor who passed on, on Sunday at his homestead after a long illness,” he said.
Chief Sogwala was born on July 27, 1933 in Lower Gweru. He enrolled for primary and secondary education at Sogwala Primary School and Sogwala Mission. He served as a dip-tank attendant and terminated his employment in 1979 and stayed at his homestead in Sogwala Village until he was appointed substantive Chief Sogwala on November 10, 1981.
Minister Ncube said the late traditional leader was a committed development agent who worked closely with the ruling Zanu-PF party and remained a steadfast supporter of community empowerment until his death.
“Chief Sogwala dedicated his life to the service of his people, nurturing the spirit of transformational leadership, wisdom and compassion. As we gather to honour the life and legacy of Chief Sogwala, it is important to reflect on the critical role played by our traditional leaders in the governance architecture of our communities in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Minister Ncube said chiefs are integral to the fabric of society, serving as mediators, conflict resolvers and advocates for their people’s needs and aspirations. He added that chiefs are pillars of local governance, tasked with preserving culture, mediating conflicts and promoting peace and development.
He noted that the constitution recognises the importance of traditional leaders in promoting local governance and ensuring that the voices of rural communities are heard, supported by various legislation that includes the Traditional Leaders Act, the Rural District Councils Act and the EMA Act among others.
Minister Ncube reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of traditional leaders through the Rural Development 8.0 model, which includes the provision of vehicles, clean water, electricity, and improved road access to chiefs’ homesteads.
Minister Ncube said Chief Sogwala was committed to the development of his community.
Chief Ngungumbane described the late Chief Sogwala as a revered judicial officer known for his fairness and impartiality.
“As a unifying figure in Lower Gweru, he championed the values of peace, integrity, and Ubuntu. His passion for maintaining harmony in society was evident in his advocacy for peaceful coexistence,” he said.
“In our last engagement, he expressed concerns about the rising tide of lawlessness and illegal resettlements in neighbouring areas, particularly under Chief Bunina, fearing potential spill over into his jurisdiction. We share his concerns, as the lack of adherence to the law has led to chaotic settlements.”
Chief Ngungumbane extended his condolences and urged the chief’s successor to uphold the principles of law and order that Chief Sogwala embodied.
He also appealed to Parliament to consider gratuity provisions for families of deceased chiefs, in recognition of their lifetime of public service.
“Chief Sogwala’s legacy of wisdom, kindness, and transparency will be deeply missed, but his impact on our lives will endure. May his memory continue to inspire future generations,” said Chief Ngungumbane.
Chief Sogwala is survived by his wife, Ms Mantombi Gwizi, seven children, 28 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
