Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Government has officially installed Mr Rendani Makhado as the substantive Headman Makhado of Ward 7 in Beitbridge West, bringing closure to a leadership dispute that left the traditional post vacant for more than a decade.
The headmanship became vacant following the death of Mr Rendani Makhado’s father, Mr Benson Khathazo Makhado, in 2004.
Since then, disagreements over succession have delayed the appointment of a substantive headman.
During the intervening years, Mr James Khorombi Makhado served in an acting capacity before his death.
He was succeeded by his brother, Mr Gibson Makhado, who also acted as headman until he was relieved of his duties by Chief Tshitaudze over alleged administrative irregularities.
The long-running succession issue was finally resolved on Sunday when Chief Tshitaudze formally installed Mr Rendani Makhado, presenting him with the traditional symbols of office during a ceremony attended by community members, Government officials and development partners.
“Today, we welcome the new incumbent. We say welcome to Team Tshitaudze, where we speak of hard work as we preserve our culture and push for development,” said Chief Tshitaudze.
“This headmanship has been vacant for quite some time and there was no substantive headman. This installation is a joyous and welcome development to the community of Masera, Ndambe and Beitbridge at large.
In his speech, Chief Tshitaudze reminded everyone that headmen are not just for ceremonies but are a vital cog to drive development from the grassroots level.
“Under Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the Traditional Leaders’ Act, a headman has real duties to keep our customs, language, and traditions alive,” he said.
“They teach respect for elders, proper lobola processes, and how we bury our dead with dignity.
“The Government is giving more power to local communities and the headmen work with Rural District Councils to bring development projects to their wards – like boreholes, clinics, and roads.
“Through the “Not in My Village” programme with the National AIDS Council, headmen lead the fight against child pregnancies, child abuse, and gender-based violence. They make sure every girl child can go to school safely”.
Chief Tshitaudze added that when clinics have no drugs or schools need help, the headman is the first person people run to, who links the community to the Government, NGOs, and local authorities.
In some instances, the headmen mediate family feuds, livestock disputes, boundary issues, and other customary matters before they reach the courts.
He added that Headman Makhado must now work with his 22 village heads to push progress in education, health, farming, business, water, and sanitation.
“The installation of Headman Makhado also brings good news for culture. Having no substantive headman for so long made things difficult for the community under his jurisdiction and now we have someone we can work with,” he said.
Headman Makhado’s area falls under Chief Tshitaudze’s chieftainship in a district that has three chieftainships, 10 headmanships, and over 500 village heads.
The Government is currently reviving the Khwalu Chieftaincy, showing that traditional leadership is getting more recognition and support.
Chief Tshitaudze encouraged Headman Makhado to be available, accessible, and kind to community members.
“A headman must be respected, not feared. There must always be mutual respect between the headman, chief, and community,” he said.
“There must always be a mutual relationship between the Headman and the Chief and all community leaders.”
