|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
|
By Elvis Dumba
Katawa – People in Zvimba North Constituency celebrated Africa Day in celebration after the government approved the replacement of the late Chief Chidziva who died last year after a long illness.
The late Chief Chidziva, born Johannes Kangamiti Jenami, was the first traditional leader of the chieftainship, which was made official in 2022. He passed away aged 92.
During the celebrations which coincided with Africa Day, the late Chief was replaced by his first son, Mr. Shepherd Majinjiwa who will now hold the reins on an acting basis for two years until a substantive chief is selected.
Officiating at the post-installation ceremony of the acting traditional leader at Katawa Business Centre in Zvimba, Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister, who is also Zvimba North Constituency Legislator, Hon Marian Chombo said the President had announced the replacement of Chief Chidziva on April 17.
“The late Chief was replaced on April 17 by President Mnangagwa after the family had requested for the installation of an acting chief so that works could be carried forward.
“After a roundtable, the family resolved to name Mr. Sherpherd Majinjiwa the acting chief,” she said.
“My office is ready to render help to the family and the newly installed chief.”
The community was also challenged to respect the acting chief for the continuity of culture and beliefs.
Accepting his new role, Chief Chidziva rallied his subjects to support the ruling party and President Mnangagwa, saying he was going to hit the ground running as he worked towards fulfilling development programmes left behind by his late father.
“It is an honour, and I promise to meet the expectations of President Mnangagwa and my late father of promoting development in this area before I hand over to the substantive chief,” he said.
Mr. Gibson Jenami, who is Headman Katizagombo, lauded the ruling party for honouring the Chidziva family with the chieftainship.
Chidziva falls under the Zvimba Paramount Chieftainship, which also rules over Chirau and Beperere while Sharishonga, Nyatsaka, and Karigamombe headmen fall under Chidzva Chieftaincy.
Hon Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Chief’s Council who is also the President of the Pan African Parliament, said traditional leaders have a role of uniting the people and spearheading development.
“As chiefs, our role is to promote our African cultural values and strengthen unity not only in our areas of jurisdiction but countrywide and globally,” Chief Charumbira said.