Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube
BUBI District in Matabeleland North Province made history on Wednesday, with the installation of Misheck Magalela Hlabangana (68) as Chief Wonondo, reviving a chieftainship that was abolished by the colonial government over 80 years ago.
The colourful ceremony, attended by traditional leaders, Government officials and the local community, marked the official return of the Wonondo chieftainship, which was last recognised in 1944.
The new chief will preside over Wards 5, 6, 19 and 21, which were previously under the jurisdiction of Chief Mtshane Khumalo. The area is home to more than 11 000 families comprising Xhosa and Ndebele communities.
The history of the Wonondo Chieftainship goes back to the pre-colonial era. The original chieftainship hailed from the Induba area of Bubi, with its lineage believed to have been endorsed by King Lobengula.
The first recorded chief was Mlotha Hlabangana, who took the title in 1870. Upon his death, his son Lotshe succeeded him and ruled until 1888. Lotshe was succeeded by his son, also named Wonondo, who was officially installed in 1930.
However, due to clashes with the colonial government over land ownership under the Land Apportionment Act of 1930, Chief Wonondo became a thorn in the side of the settler regime.
In 1944, the colonial administration abolished the chieftainship and forcibly removed the chief from his land, relocating him and his followers to the area between Kenilworth and Bona Farms, near Bubi River.
He later died in 1946 in Lupane, under the jurisdiction of Chief Mabhikwa.
Since then, Bubi District has been overseen by a single traditional leader, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, who also serves as president of the National Council of Chiefs.
The process to restore the Wonondo chieftainship began in October 2017, when the Hlabangana (Wonondo) and Khumalo families met and agreed to revive the traditional leadership structure. The Hlabangana family unanimously chose Misheck Magalela Hlabangana as heir to the throne. This move is in line with the Government initiative under the Second Republic, to restore abolished traditional institutions as a means of strengthening cultural heritage and governance.
Speaking at the installation ceremony, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo, said the restoration of the Wonondo chieftainship is not only a correction of colonial injustices, but also a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to empowering traditional leadership as a cornerstone of rural development and heritage preservation.
“This chieftainship had been abolished by the colonial government in the 1930s. We are grateful to the Second Republic for restoring it. Chief Wonondo has a huge responsibility ahead,” he said.
“He must work closely with his village heads and headmen to address societal ills such as drug and substance abuse, illegal mining, deforestation and the unlawful sale of land.”
Minister Moyo also urged the new chief to protect vulnerable members of the community, including orphans and to unite the community for development. He commended Chief Mtshane Khumalo for his leadership and magnanimity in relinquishing part of his jurisdiction to pave the way for the new chief.
In his remarks, Chief Mtshane Khumalo reaffirmed his support for Chief Wonondo and pledged collaboration on important national matters, including the Gukurahundi hearings.
“We have already conducted training programmes for chiefs and their teams. I have spoken to Chief Wonondo and assured him that we will work together to ensure his community is fully included in the Gukurahundi engagement process,” said Chief Mtshane.
He noted that the boundaries for the new jurisdiction have already been finalised, making the administrative transition easier. The move will also benefit village heads in the affected wards, particularly those in resettlement areas, who have worked for over 21 years without formal recognition or remuneration due to the lack of gazetting.
Matabeleland North Provincial Chiefs Council’s chairperson, Chief Siansali welcomed the addition of Chief Wonondo as the province’s 42nd chief.
“I was personally involved in the revival process and I want to commend Chief Mtshane Khumalo for going beyond the initial request of two wards by donating four, which is a rare gesture in traditional leadership. This is a sign of great statesmanship,” said Chief Siansali.
Born into a family of eight children, Chief Wonondo worked in South Africa’s Wenela mines after completing his Ordinary Level studies. He later joined the Bulawayo City Council before retiring to become a full-time farmer.
