Government Ends Makoni Chieftainship Dispute with Gazette Release

By Shingirai Vambe

The battle for control of the Makoni district in Zimbabwe continues, with the government’s recent issuance of a gazette establishing the boundaries and jurisdiction of the four chiefs in the area. However, Chief Makoni (Simbayi Cogen Gwasira) refuses to accept the gazette and is installing his own headmen in the area, leading to confusion and tension among citizens.

The four chiefs, Chipunza, Chiduku, Tandi, and Chikore, have been recognized by the government and are working to install their own headmen in their respective areas of jurisdiction. However, Gwasira’s actions are causing chaos, with his installed headmen allegedly forcing themselves on the people and using makeshift badges, which is illegal.

Citizens are disregarding Gwasira’s headmen and are instead supporting the four recognized chiefs. Former legislator and headman, Christopher Chingosho, has spoken out against Gwasira’s actions, demanding that he produce his own gazette and show his boundaries and area of jurisdiction. Chingosho also criticized Gwasira’s leadership, saying he lacks wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

Makoni Acknowledged that the Northern part of the District, Headlands area was given to Chief Chipunza by his brother Makoni as means of reducing ruling burdens upon himself. It is alleged, Chief Chiduku came from Bikita, Masvingo and the current chief being from Buhera, Bhidhiri area, while Chief Tandi is believed to have come from Mangwende around 1800 as a tax collector for the British South African Company BSAC in the 19s and Chipunza being the brother to Makoni was given an area to oversee in 1917 then later installed in 1952. (https://postonsunday.co.zw/2022/11/17/makoni-chieftainship-wrangle-surge/)

The conflict has a long history, dating back to the colonial era when the white colonialists took over the land from the chiefs. Gwasira is claiming the entire district as his own, saying it was given to him by his ancestors. However, the four chiefs have been recognized by the government, and their boundaries and jurisdiction have been established.

 

 

“We used to give this Gazette to people and noticed that it is being used in the toilets, now we are asking that this Gazette be put at every shopping center and growth points so that people may see and read for themselves,” said Chingosho.

The Chipunza family is moving around their area of Headlands, showing to the people, the new substantive Chief, Fungai Mukonyora, first son of the late Chief Chipunza, Clever Mukonyora as well as their Headman who are awaiting Government installation program which is done through the office of the District Development Coordinator and the Ministry of Local Government.

Adding to that, Makoni District is disgruntled over the manner at which Gwasira has been ruling, squandering and taking away people’s property without sincerity and spirit to unite and build. it is reported that majority of the people who have gone to his court have lost fortunes and majority have made appeals in the Judicial Court with most of his ruling being overturned and asked to return back the goods he would have collected from the poor citizens.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides refusing to back down. The citizens of Makoni district are caught in the middle, suffering from the tension and confusion caused by the conflict.

Efforts to get hold of Chief Makoni, Cogen Gwasira were fruitless as his mobile phone was not reachable for comment.

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