Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
THE Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe has passed his condolences to the family of the late Chief Bakwayi.
The traditional leader from Mtotobi area in Ward 13, Matobo District died at 84 in Bulawayo on Sunday afternoon following a short illness.
Minister Nguluvhe described the death of the late Chief Bakwayi (Stanley Bakwayi Sithole) as a huge loss to the province.
“I would like to pass my condolences to the family of the late Chief Bakwayi. We mourn together with them. His death isn’t a loss to the family only but the entire community of Matabeleland South and the entire nation as well as Government. Traditional leaders play a crucial role in the country’s development agenda and they are also custodians of our culture and traditions.
“Traditional leaders are responsible for spearheading development at community level. We can’t have any development without traditional leaders. The community of Matobo has now been left with a huge gap. The late Chief Bakwayi was one of the elderly chiefs that we had in the province. That means we have lost a fountain of wisdom,” he said.
The late Chief Bakwayi was born on 24 June 1942. He was installed on 31 August 2007. He is survived by his wife Hluphe Sithole, four children and grandchildren.
Matobo District Development Coordinator, Mr Obey Chaputsira said burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
