adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
CHIEFS from Matabeleland South will meet in Matobo tomorrow to discuss the proposed visit to Njelele by a group of spirit mediums and war veterans who want to conduct rituals at the shrine. The group, which calls itself the National Traditional Inheritance Kingdom, Chieftainships and the Governance of Zimbabwe, has written a letter to chiefs in Matabeleland South informing them about its intended visit.
The chiefs immediately expressed displeasure over the issue and accused the group of wanting to “open old wounds”. They said the group had in the past shown disrespect for the local traditional leadership.
In the letter copied to Chronicle, the group’s spokesperson, a Mr J Kativhu is inviting all chiefs from Matabeleland region, war veterans, service chiefs, media organisations and Government officials to attend a traditional congratulatory ceremony in Matobo on Friday.
“This becomes a word of notice to all our surrounding tribes of our country, Zimbabwean chiefs, the traditional holy spirit and war veterans.
“Both junior and senior chiefs are being requested to attend this ceremony on 27 September 2013 at Chief Masuku area in Matopos,” said Mr Kativhu.
“The event is for all departments of different ministries, which have got something to do in Zimbabwe, especially Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Local Government and State Security.”
Chief Masuku confirmed that the group leaders visited him recently and informed him about their intended visit.
“Yes, it is true. They are coming next week on 27 September. They came here and told me about the issue and I have informed other chiefs about the matter,” said Chief Masuku.
“The chiefs are coming here on Tuesday to discuss this issue. The group leaders said they wanted to come to visit the Njelele shrine to celebrate the just ended harmonised elections. Bayahlupha lababantu.”
Chief Mathema of Gwanda said the group was not welcome in the province and queried its intention.
“We do not want to see those people here. Sebefuna ukusiphambanisa futhi (they want to cause confusion again). It seems there are some politicians behind these people,” fumed Chief Mathema.
He said there was a need to investigate the motive behind the intended visit.
“We deserve to be respected as chiefs in this area and the group cannot come and tell us what to do. We know Njelele better and how it operates,” said Chief Mathema
Chief Malaba of Kezi said the group’s visit was problematic.
“We have heard about that and kukhanya kuzaba lohlupho sibili (It seems this will give us problems). You can talk to the provincial administrator Mr Midard Khumalo as well,” said Chief Malaba.
Mr Kativhu said the ceremony was meant to analyse and understand the country’s ideologies and what was not fulfilled when the country got liberated.
Last year, the group, made up of about 600 members, caused a stir when it sneaked into Matobo and conducted some rituals without the knowledge and approval of the traditional leaders in the province.
Their behaviour was condemned by the chiefs, war veterans’ leaders, the Government and the villagers who accused the clique of disrespect and causing tension between the people.
The chiefs had to organise a cleansing ceremony after the group’s unsanctioned visit in a bid to appease the ancestors.
Online Reporter