State-assisted burial for Gwanda’s Chief Nhlamba

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
THE late Chief Nhlamba of Gwanda who died over the weekend has been granted a State-assisted burial and will be laid to rest at his rural home in Garanyemba on Saturday.

Born Dennis Ndlovu, Chief Nhlamba was installed on July 16, 2010 and had served the traditional leadership institution for 12 years.

He died at the age of 75 after a long illness.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, yesterday said Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, would represent President Mnangagwa at the burial.

“Chief Denis Ndlovu Nhlamba of Garanyemba area in Gwanda who passed on at the United Bulawayo Hospitals on Saturday, has been granted a State assisted funeral. Vice President Dr CGDN Chiwenga will represent the President at the funeral of the late chief,” said Dr Sibanda in a statement

In separate interviews traditional leaders from Matabeleland South province described Chief Nhlamba’s death as a huge loss to the province saying he was as a fountain of wisdom.

Chief Masendu from Bulilima said the loss of Chief Nhlamba has left a huge gap in the province.

“I worked well with Chief Nhlamba and I learnt a lot from him. He was always keen to impart wisdom and knowledge on leadership to the young generation.

“He was a hard worker and he did a lot to develop not only in his area but the entire province,” he said.

Chief Masendu said Chief Nhlamba was a humble man and he respected everyone regardless of age or gender.

“Though he was an elderly man, he valued any input from the young people. He believed that the older generation working together with the younger generation could achieve a lot,” he said.