Uhuru restores lost chieftainships

GOVERNMENT has committed to restoring chieftainships that had been abolished by the colonial settlers in line with constitutional provisions.

When white settlers colonised Zimbabwe they abolished several chieftainships that were in existence thus destroying the African leadership set-ups.

But as the country is commemorating 39 years of Independence, the Government has committed towards resuscitating some of the abolished chieftainships.

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Deputy Minister Cde Jennifer Mhlanga said in observing the constitution government has started the process of resuscitating the defunct chieftainships.

“The restoration of defunct chieftainships is a constitutional obligation that the ministry has to adhere to. What may be key is the alignment with the executing Act, the Traditional Leaders’ Act (Chapter 29:17) so that it becomes explicit. The Government under the New Dispensation is determined to correct this wrong where legitimate chiefs lost their positions due to their strong stance that they had taken then to support the war of liberation,” said Cde Mhlanga.

She said the chieftainships that are going to be restored solely depends on affected communities making applications to the Government supported by historical facts.

Cde Mhlanga said President Mnangagwa made that commitment last year.

“In the new dispensation the Government is keen on restoration and has taken a strong position of implementing that stance. Of note, is His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Comrade ED Mnangagwa’s speech at the National Annual Chiefs’ Conference in December last year where he strongly indicated the governments’ desire to move forward with speed towards addressing the issues of restoration of chieftaincies that were abolished before the attainment of Independence by the colonialists,” said Cde Mhlanga.

The president of the chiefs’ council, Chief Fortune Charumbira said Independence must bring back all things that could be restored.

“Independence is about correcting the injustices of the past, that is the whole basis for the struggle for independence. We lost so many things like land, respect and chieftainship. In some cases the whites would move chiefs and their subjects so that they could take the land for farming and mining ,” said Chief Charumbira.

“By restoring our chiefs we restored our cultures that would have been lost, our identity and our traditional governance systems.”

Chief Charumbira also emphasised on the need to consult widely where cases of restoration come up to avoid conflicts. “Some people make wild claims that cause conflicts, hence the need to consult to reach consensus with existing chiefs and all stakeholders to promote peace in the country,” he said.

He said about 13 chiefs have been restored across the provinces including in former white commercial farming areas. — @themkhust_ncube