The Mnangagwa administration’s move to dethrone chief Ndiweni may backfire

December 14, 2019
| Report Focus News

THE Mnangagwa administration which is facing it’s own issues of legitimacy moved to dethrone Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni. In a move that will most likely backfire spectacularly on the Mnangagwa government, the clan’s council of elders is adamant that suspended Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni is still the legitimate Ntabazinduna traditional leader, Report Focus News has been reliably informed that all members of the clan are outraged by the governments move to dethrone chief Ndiweni.

This comes after the Matabeleland North Chief’s Council referred the contentious Ndiweni chieftainship issue to the family to decide.

Ndiweni was suspended as Ntabazinduna Chief in November during a Matabeleland North chief’s provincial assembly held in Bulawayo on the grounds that his chieftainship was being contested by his eldest brother, Joram.
It is alleged that the Local Government ministry triggered his suspension with traditional leaders from that province saying that Nhlanhlayamangwe was not supposed to be substantive chief in line with Nguni customs and practices.

The regional chiefs argued that Joram was the rightful heir to the chieftainship.

However, it is understood that the Inhlambabaloyi/Inhlambane and Abaphathi council — that has the final say on who becomes a traditional leader — has since retained Nhlanhlayamangwe as the substantive Ntabazinduna chief.
Commenting on the government inspired dispute Chief Ndiweni said.

“Yes, they have been very clear on that. They have always had the final say on any chieftainship disputes and it is impossible to have a chief without the support of the Inhlambane and Abaphathi council.”

Meanwhile, chief Nhlahlayamangwe Ndiweni’s brother Joram who the Mnangagwa administration favours filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court over five years ago, seeking to block Nhlanhlayamangwe from being installed as substantive chief, insisting he was the rightful heir.

Nhlanhlayamangwe’s installation has been postponed several times despite the late former President Robert Mugabe confirming him as the substantive chief.

“For them to speak out is very important and crucial as that means they have had enough with what was happening.

“Even if push comes to shove and government tries to force matters, what it means is that the chosen government representative will not be allowed to take over. The council has the final say on chieftainship issues,” Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe said.
He added: “Even if the President of the day says I have removed Nhlanhla that will be equivalent to bar talk with no effect whatsoever.”
Chief Nhlahlayamangwe Ndiweni has been a fierce government critic and has caused great discomfort particularly to the Mnangagwa administration.

The Mnangagwa administration has used some local politicians in Matabeleland to up the ante on Chief Ndiweni with hopes of removing him from chieftainship as he strongly opposes Mnangagwa’s government.

Section 283 of the Zimbabwe Constitution stipulates that in the terms of the appointment and removal of traditional leaders, “an Act of Parliament must provide for the following, in accordance with the prevailing culture, customs, traditions and practices of the communities concerned – the appointment, suspension, succession and removal of traditional leaders; constituteproject; the creation and resuscitation of chieftainships; and the resolution of disputes concerning the appointment, suspension, succession and removal of traditional leaders.

“… But the appointment, removal and suspension of Chiefs must be done by the President on the recommendation of the provincial assembly of Chiefs through the National Council of Chiefs and the Minister responsible for traditional leaders and in accordance with the traditional practices and traditions of the communities concerned.”

It further stipulates that disputes concerning the appointment, suspension and removal of traditional leaders must be resolved by the president on the recommendation of the provincial assembly of chiefs through the minister responsible for traditional leaders.
“The Act must provide measures to ensure that all these matters are dealt with fairly and without regard to political considerations and the Act must provide measures to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions and their independence from political interference.”