Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE leadership of Matabeleland South has described the death of Chief Bakwayi as a significant loss to the province, saying the nation has lost a fountain of wisdom and a dedicated traditional leader who played a key role in community development and cultural preservation.
Chief Bakwayi, born Stanley Bakwayi Sithole, of the Mtotobi area in Ward 13, Matobo District, died in Bulawayo on Sunday afternoon following a short illness. He was 84.
The late traditional leader had served as chief for 18 years after his installation on 31 August 2007.
Messages of condolence continued to pour in yesterday, with fellow traditional leaders and Government officials describing him as a humble, wise and unifying figure within the province’s chieftainship fraternity.
Chief Masendu of Bulilima District said the late Chief Bakwayi was a father figure to many traditional leaders in Matabeleland South.
“We worked very well with the late Chief Bakwayi. He had the utmost respect for his fellow chiefs regardless of his age. He was one of the eldest chiefs in the province, but he never used that seniority to undermine younger chiefs. I never heard any bad report about him because he led his people with humility and dignity.”
Chief Masendu said the late traditional leader’s wisdom and guidance had positively influenced many within the chiefs’ fraternity.
“He was like a father to us and had a lot of wisdom. We would always seek guidance from him and apply it in our own lives. As traditional leaders, we are at a great loss because elderly chiefs play a very important role in mentoring and guiding us,” he said.
Chief Masuku of Gwanda District said Chief Bakwayi’s death had left a void that would be difficult to fill.
“The Sithole family, the community and the chiefs’ fraternity have lost a father figure. Chief Bakwayi played an important role within his family, his community and among fellow traditional leaders. His contribution will be greatly missed,” he said.
Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge said younger chiefs had benefited immensely from Chief Bakwayi’s mentorship and experience.
“As young traditional leaders, we look up to senior chiefs for guidance, mentorship and advice. Chief Bakwayi was one of the leaders who played that role wholeheartedly. We value the role played by elderly chiefs and we never take them for granted. The gap left by his passing will be very difficult to fill.”
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the province had lost a committed traditional leader who contributed immensely to development initiatives at community level.
“I would like to pass my condolences to the family of the late Chief Bakwayi. We mourn together with them. His death is not only a loss to the family, but also to the people of Matabeleland South, the nation and Government as a whole.”
Minister Nguluvhe said traditional leaders remain critical partners in the country’s development agenda as custodians of culture, tradition and community leadership.
“Traditional leaders play a crucial role in spearheading development at grassroots level. We cannot talk about meaningful development without involving traditional leader. The community of Matobo has been left with a huge gap.
“The late Chief Bakwayi was one of the elderly chiefs in the province, meaning we have lost a fountain of wisdom” he said.
The late Chief Bakwayi is survived by his wife, Mrs Hluphe Sithole, four children and grandchildren.
Matobo District Development Coordinator Mr Obey Chaputsira said burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
