Keeping You posted

With Trusted Zimbabwe News as well as Local and Regional Perspectives.

Rusape District Name Change Stalled for 20 Years, Council Resolution Collects Dust

Muswere fingered in the delay of implementation of the government gazette.

By Shingirai Vambe

The dispute involving traditional chiefs in Zimbabwe, particularly in Makoni, has been ongoing since the 80s and 90s. At the heart of the issue is a struggle for power and control, with some chiefs seeking to expand their influence and others trying to maintain their authority.

The role of traditional leaders in Zimbabwe is deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. They have played a significant part in governance, particularly in rural areas, and have been involved in various aspects of community life, including dispute resolution, land allocation, and cultural preservation.

However, the institution of traditional leadership has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of colonialism, which disrupted traditional power structures and created new ones. The post-colonial government also introduced laws that limited the powers of traditional leaders, creating tensions between the state and traditional authorities.

It is alleged that Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, and Member of Parliament for Makoni West is using his close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to delay the process of resolving the traditional chiefs’ issue. This has led to accusations that Muswere is trying to protect the interests of chief Makoni.

Jenfan Muswere, Zimbabwe Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services

In 2004, the four Chiefs’ met and in the council chambers and the rural district Council, came up with a resolution to change the name of the district from Makoni to Rusape, so as to deal with the name issue, being raised by Chief Makoni as the Paramount Chief of the District.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Cogen Gwasira (Chief Makoni), a key figure in the dispute, is seeking to monopolize control over the district. This has created tensions among other chiefs and community members, who feel that Makoni’s actions are undermining the traditional leadership structure and the interests of the community. However, political influence has also stalled the change of name as agreed in 2oo4.

Individuals and senior Government official have also been fingered in the fiasco, the like of Didymus Mutasa, trying to knock-out other chiefs and maintain the Makoni, (NYATI) clan as the head traditional leader of the district while other Chiefs are from the Moyo Clan, Gusha and Chipunza being a Nyati as well.

Those standing with Cogen Gwasira, celebrate the stalemate and processes of installing headsman in various areas of Makoni. The four visited the office of the President on the matter and again the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Garwe was contacted to the matter which he referred to as an already solved matter as inscribed in the Gazette and signed by the President.

According to sources close to Chief Makoni, they told this publication that Chipunza and three other Chiefs have been barred from touring and installing their headman until further notice. further investigation by this publication also revealed the tension as the responsible Minister was contacted on his mobile and ignorantly responded to the matter pointing to the force of the third part, that of Muswere being a major stalemate to this traditional case.

Effort to contact Minister Muswere were futile as his mobile was not available by time of going for publish.

Makoni District Map

Historically, succession disputes and boundary demarcations have been contentious issues in Zimbabwe, often involving complex traditional and administrative processes. In some cases, these disputes have led to the intervention of higher authorities, including the president.

Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing is responsible for the change of name and it is alleged through political heavy weights, the process became a pipe dream. the responsibilities of the ministry according to the Act,  to provide for the appointment of village heads, headmen and chiefs; to provide for the establishment of a Council of Chiefs and village, ward and provincial assemblies and to define their functions; to provide for the issue of village registration certificates and settlement permits; to repeal the Chiefs and Headmen Act [Chapter 29:01]; to amend the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act [Chapter 9:07], the Communal Land Act [Chapter 20:04] and the Rural District Councils Act
[Chapter 29:13].

Zimbabwe Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Daniel Garwe

Ultimately, resolving the dispute will require a nuanced understanding of the complex historical, cultural, and political factors at play. It will also necessitate a commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness in the process of resolving the traditional chiefs’ issue. As a result, the President met with the 5 Chiefs at the State House in Harare, and instructed that each one of them to go and abide by the law as inscribed in the Government Gazette.

The letter read: As you may be aware that implementation of General Notice 335 of 2018 which gazette resettlement areas under the authority of traditional leaders in Makoni District had been put on hold by His Excellence the President pending further clarifications. Issues were clarified at State House on October 16 2024, and it was agreed that all the respective Chiefs proceed to propose lower tier structures in the manner of herdspersons and village heads in areas designated to each Chieftainship which will be approved by the Ministry.

The full council resolution 1/2003 dated April 28 2004 read, “Council resolved in 2001 to change the name of the district from Makoni to Rusape, Documents were submitted to the Provincial administrator’s offices and council was awaiting for the response. The four Chiefs had expressed displeasure at the current name, as it suggested that other Chiefs were sub-servient to Chief makoni”. A resolution was made.

The current stalemate highlights the need for effective communication and coordination between government officials, traditional leaders, and local communities to resolve such disputes. The delay in making the official announcement has created uncertainty and tension, underscoring the importance of timely and transparent decision-making processes. In this context, the delayed announcement by the Minister, and directive by President Mnangagwa takes on a more sinister tone. It raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and whether Muswere is being used as a scapegoat for more deep-seated issues.