Sidumisile Mabena
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
CHIEF Ngwemnyama Fuyana from Matobo District in Matabeleland has emerged victorious in the National Council of Chiefs by-election held in Gwanda on Saturday.
He replaces the late Chief Ndube and secured the position after defeating three other candidates in a tightly contested poll.
Chief Fuyana garnered 12 votes, while Chief Manguba received six votes, Chief Sangulube got three votes and Chief Sebasa did not receive any votes. A total of 21 chiefs took part in the election.
The by-election began with a voter education session conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ahead of the nomination court, where four chiefs were successfully nominated.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Fuyana expressed gratitude to fellow traditional leaders for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“As I assume a position in the National Chiefs Council, I have learnt a lot from my fellow chiefs and interacting with them has helped to mould and nurture me. I would like to express gratitude to my fellow chiefs for believing in me,” he said.
“I can’t do this alone or rely on my own understanding, but I can do this with your assistance as fellow chiefs. I know that there will be challenges that I will face, but I’m sure the burden will be lighter through working together.”
Chief Fuyana said he is committed to representing chiefs from the province and advancing the institution of traditional leadership.
He added that his goal is to help move the institution of chiefs to a higher level through unity and collaboration.
Online Reporter