Shana clan moves to block proposed Ngonzi chieftainship

THE Shana clan in Hwange District has petitioned Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, calling for the immediate suspension of plans to establish the proposed Ngonzi chieftainship, arguing that the move threatens to dismantle the historic Shana traditional jurisdiction.

In a letter dated May 26, lawyers representing Mr Mathias Chengetwa Ncube, a son of the late Chief Shana, accused authorities of seeking to remove four of the six wards traditionally administered under the Shana chieftainship.

The late Chief Shana died on May 12, 2024, after serving in the role since 1984. The family says the chieftainship has existed for more than a century and has long overseen communities in the Matetsi and Jambezi areas of Hwange District.

The correspondence, written by Messrs Ndlovu–Mehluli and Partners, states that the proposed restructuring would effectively strip the Shana chieftainship of its territorial authority and undermine long-standing customary arrangements. “Our client and the Shana Clan are aggrieved by the intended removal and reassignment of four wards out of the existing six wards under the Chief Shana chieftainship. Such action, if implemented, will effectively dismantle the Shana Chieftainship and leave it without meaningful territorial jurisdiction or traditional authority,” reads part of the letter.

The lawyers argue that the proposed changes contradict recommendations made in the Rev Damasane Committee Report, which allegedly suggested that the intended Ngonzi Chieftainship be allocated only two wards instead of four.

They further claim that the process lacked adequate consultation with affected communities, particularly the predominantly Nambya-speaking wards that would fall under the new arrangement.

“The proposed allocation of four wards is unreasonable, irrational, unfair and contrary to established customary arrangements and historical realities on the ground,” the lawyers wrote.

“To our client’s knowledge, the affected wards and communities were not consulted and will be negatively affected.”

The family also warned that the restructuring could ignite conflict and instability within the district.

“The intended process threatens to create unnecessary conflict, instability and disputes within the affected communities. This is against the spirit and letter of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act,” reads the letter.

The lawyers further argue that the matter is complicated by another unresolved traditional leadership dispute involving the proposed Chief Nemananga jurisdiction.

According to the letter, a meeting scheduled for Monday to facilitate the selection or recognition of a substantive Chief Ngonzi should not proceed until all outstanding disputes have been fully resolved. The family has demanded the immediate suspension of any processes relating to the installation of Chief Ngonzi and called on Government to intervene and facilitate what they describe as a lawful and consultative resolution process. The lawyers warned that failure by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to intervene would result in legal action. “Should the relevant authorities fail, neglect or refuse to intervene and resolve this matter amicably and lawfully, our client shall proceed with urgent legal proceedings before the High Court of Zimbabwe for appropriate declaratory and interdictory relief without further notice,” reads the letter.

Last year, the ministry opposed a High Court application challenging the legitimacy of the Shana chieftaincy by the Nemananga clan, stating that there were no records to support claims that the chieftaincy had been taken from them in connivance with a former white native commissioner.

The court challenge formed part of a dispute over the succession of Chief Shana III, born Zondani Jonah Neluswi, who died in May 2024 at the age of 83.

The Shana chieftaincy oversees parts of Matetsi and Jambezi in Hwange District.

Mr Elias Nyoni, through his lawyers, Dube, Mguni and Dube Legal Practitioners, had approached the High Court seeking an order compelling the chairperson of the Matabeleland North provincial assembly of chiefs to convene, within six months, a meeting to resolve the dispute between the Nemananga and Neluswi Shana clans over the appointment of a substantive successor.

However, in an opposing affidavit, Minister Garwe, cited as the second respondent, argued that Chief Nemananga was not recognised as a chief in 1948 and said attempts to revive such a chieftaincy were unfounded.