Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa in Chimanimani
MR NORMAN Mutambara has been officially installed as the substantive Chief of the Mutambara Clan, marking the return of traditional leadership to the throne after 12 years of vacancy — a move aligned with the Second Republic’s commitment to restoring cultural heritage and upholding the dignity of traditional institutions.
The installation ceremony, which was held at Guhune Secondary School in Chimanimani today, ended decades of leadership disputes that had plagued the Mutambara community since Zimbabwe’s independence.
With the chieftainship now formally restored, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister, Engineer Benjamin Kabikira, who was representing Minister Daniel Garwe, used the occasion to remind traditional leaders of their critical role in local governance, particularly in land administration and development planning.
He said traditional leaders like Chief Mutambara are central to upholding the Communal Lands Act, which stipulates that land allocation must be handled jointly by chiefs and rural district councils.
“Chief Mutambara’s assumption of this important role comes with serious responsibilities, especially on land management. We must see a return to order where proper procedures are followed,” said Minister Garwe.
“The village head should report to the council if he finds that he has unoccupied land. A council planner will then go there and plan. Village heads should follow this process and not be doing sabhuku deals willy-nilly.”
He also said the Second Republic has been restoring dignity to traditional leadership structures and resolving long-standing disputes like the Mutambara chieftainship.
“Government under President Emmerson Mnangagwa recognises chiefs as vital players in local governance and national development,” he said.
“The Second Republic has made it clear that traditional leadership is not a ceremonial role. Chiefs are the backbone of rural governance and custodians of our identity.
“That is why the Government has prioritised resolving historical leadership conflicts and empowering traditional leaders with the tools and authority to lead effectively.”
Addressing the same gathering, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said traditional leaders remain crucial partners in development.
“Government works well with traditional leaders because they are the development’s entry point and catalysts for development. Chief Mutambara’s installation is not only about restoring culture, but about unlocking local progress,” he said.
