Chronicle EditorGeorge Maponga Masvingo Bureau
Mr Godwin Tavarura (49), who is the oldest son of prominent Masvingo bus operator Mr Tanda Tavaruva Mhunga, is set to be installed as the new Chief Gutu soon, after their family was chosen to assume one of the biggest chieftainships in Masvingo Province. The older Tavaruva Mhunga, who is of the Chagwiza family, which is one of the several families, who are heirs to the Gutu chieftainship, allowed Godwin to stand as chief in his place, citing old age and poor health.
The Gutu chieftainship is under the stewardship of acting Chief Gutu Mr Edmund Masanganise, who took over after the death of his father Mr Anos Kasirayi Masanganise in 2013.
The late Chief Gutu was the 21st person to assume the Gutu chieftainship and was also President Mugabe’s uncle.
President Mugabe’s mother, the late Mbuya Bona Mugabe, was from the Gutu clan family lineage.
The President visited Chief Gutu’s homestead in 2016 to pay homage following the death of Mr Anos Kasirayi Masangainse.
Mr Tavaruva yesterday confirmed that all was set for his investiture and coronation as the new Chief Gutu.
He said he would take over the chieftainship in place of his father Mr Tavaruva Mhunga, adding that his impending takeover had the full backing of other Gutu family clan members.
“All can safely confirm that the Gutu Chieftainship was supposed to go to the Chagwiza family from where my father was born and was in line to take over,” said Mr Tavaruva.
“I will personally assume the chieftainship as his eldest son and what we are all waiting for is for Government to effect the necessary processes for me to be installed as the new Chief Gutu.
“Over 100 Madyira (Gutu clan totem) family members from various houses met recently and unanimously agreed that it was the turn of the Chagwiza family to take over the Gutu chieftainship. Also in attendance were officials from the Masvingo provincial chiefs’ assembly, among others.”
Mr Tavaruva said he was raring to go and assume the revered office of Chief Gutu, despite it being one of the most prominent and biggest chieftainships in Masvingo and beyond.
“I am fully aware of the challenges and tasks that lie ahead, but I am prepared for anything, I am never one to shy away from challenges,” he said.
Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Assembly chair Mr Felen Chauke, who is Chief Chitanga of Mwenezi, said a meeting had been convened to choose the new occupant of the Gutu chieftainship.
He said the meeting was attended by Gutu clan members and representatives of the provincial assembly of chiefs.
The Gutu chieftainship is controlled by people of the Madyira totem, and together with the Duma people of the Moyo totem, are arguably the most prominent and powerful chieftainships in Masvingo Province.
Online Reporter