Story by Tamuka Charakupa
Chief Ndima who died on Friday at the age of 93 has been buried at his Ndima homestead in Chimanimani.
Close relatives and community members described the late leader who succumbed to old age as a development champion and a true custodian of culture.
Jeorgina Ndima said, “My father was a family man who worked hard to ensure we all got educated. He was a kind man, just, lean but not weak. He served his community well and believed in justice.”
“After the Cyclone Idai disaster, many were left homeless and Chief Ndima accommodated those who were in need. Our Chief facilitated the rebuilding of Chimanimani working closely with the government. He leaves behind a legacy of development,” said a family member.
Traditional leaders and the ZANU PF leadership spoke highly of the role played by the late chief in promoting unity and fostering positive community relations in the Chimanimani district.
President of the Chiefs Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo said, “Last month we were in Buhera burying Sen Chief Makumbe and today we are gathered to bury Chief Ndima. This is a sad moment in the chiefs’ fraternity. We have lost a pillar and a leader who has been a chief for over 40 years. We worked with him and looked up to him for leadership and guidance. We urge the family to execute the succession peacefully.”
“We all looked up to Chief Ndima. He has been a chief since 1991 so we counted on his experience and guidance as fellow traditional leaders. He was a true custodian of our culture, a development champion and a unifier,” traditional leader, Chief Raymond Saurombe said.
ZANU PF DCC chairman, Cde Brighton Muchuwa said, “As ZANU PF we mourn the death of Chief Ndima with great sadness because he worked closely with the party in promoting peace and harmony in his community. He was a leader who valued the development of his community. His death is a loss to his family, the district, and the country at large.”
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza paid tribute to the late traditional leader’s commitment to the national development agenda.
“Through the leadership of his subjects and facilitation of socio-economic developmental activities within the area, the late Chief played a pivotal role in leading government programs towards a thriving and empowered middle-income economy. Shortly after Cyclone Idai, Chief Ndima led the affected areas’ reconstruction efforts. For instance, in the area of water and sanitation, he helped create several piped water projects, and in the area of roads and bridges, he played a key role in the building of Bailey Bridges.
“In addition, because Mozambique is a neighbour, the late Chief promoted goodwill toward visitors by encouraging locals to be friendly and peaceful with outsiders. The late Chief was a devoted development advocate who recognised the value of fortifying local government systems. He ensured that the mechanisms of every ward and village development committee were up and running. The country as well as the Chimanimani community are devastated by his sudden death,” Advocate Mugadza said.
Born Ephraim Mozayapi in 1930, Chief Ndima completed his Sub A education at Ndima Primary in 1944, before attending Rusitu Mission for Standard Six from 1945 to 1949.
Upon completion of his studies, he worked in Mutare as a builder from 1952 to 1991.
In April 1991, he was appointed the 12th substantive Chief Ndima.
He is survived by nine children and several grandchildren.