Story by Tawanda Mazhangara
THE Government of Zimbabwe has reiterated its commitment to restoring traditional chieftainships dismantled during the colonial era, as part of broader efforts to accelerate rural development and cultural preservation.
This Monday, 58-year-old Jellas Rushwaya was officially installed as Chief Kareya at a colourful ceremony in Chikomba District, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of traditional leadership structures.
Speaking at the installation, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, underscored the importance of reinstating traditional leadership that was unjustly suppressed by colonial administrations.
“The government with the guidance of traditional leaders will continue to resuscitate chieftainships that were affected by colonial legacies. Today we are here to install Chief Kareya whose chieftainship was once abolished by the white settlers in 1896 because the Kareya people had refused to cooperate and to be subjugated by the colonialists. I therefore urge you all to respect our traditional leadership,” he said.
“The addition of Chief Kareya will be instrumental in building a prosperous Mashonaland East Province and contribute to the broader vision of Zimbabwe 2030,” Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said.
Fellow traditional leaders said they will continue working with government in promoting development and preserving cultural values.
“Apart from promoting unity and development, traditional leaders have an important role of preserving morals and cultural values in our communities,” Chief Charumbira said.
“As chiefs in Mashonaland East, today we are excited about the installation of Chief Kareya. We have an array of developmental programmes that will benefit from the leadership of Chief Kareya,” Chief Nechombo said.
Chief Kareya, a member of the Johani Masowe Apostolic Act is married with seven children.
He becomes the second substantive chief after the death of Muchenje Onias Munetsi in July 2021.
