Story by Gay Matambo
HANYANI Zava has been installed as the substantive Chief Mpapa of the Chikombedzi community in Chiredzi, Masvingo province.
It was a memorable day for hundreds of villagers who gathered at the Mpapa homestead in Chikombedzi to witness the installation of Hanyani Zava as Chief Mpapa.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Marian Chombo presided over the installation ceremony this Sunday where she noted the important role of traditional leaders in spearheading socio-economic development in communities.
“Mpapa headmanship has been marred with controversy since 2009 until the issue was settled in 2020 following the appointment of Mr Hanyani Zava as substantive headman. In 2021, His Excellency President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa upgraded Mpapa’s headmanship to chieftainship. As a development agent Chief Mpapa must always pursue critical development programmes in collaboration with government and other development agencies,” said Honourable Chombo.
Leaders of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Council challenged fellow traditional leaders to foster development to retain the respect of the communities they lead.
“Chiefs are the custodians of traditional values, norms and customs. Development of our country starts from the grassroots hence chiefs should facilitate development in their communities,” said Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Council Chairperson, Senator Chief Chitanga.
Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Council member, Senator Chief Nhema said, “I urge Chief Mpapa and other chiefs to continue engaging our people to observe and uphold traditional values and customs. That way they promote the spirit of unity, peace and development.”
The Chikombedzi community hailed the government’s resolve to restore the Shangani chieftainships across the Chiredzi district.
We felt lost without a chief hence we are grateful to the President for upgrading the Mpapa chieftainship,” said a Chikombedzi community member.
“You know in a rural setup there are many issues that need to be resolved by a chief. We didn’t have a chief but today we are happy we now have a chief,” said another community member.
“We didn’t have anywhere to report our grievances to, but the Second Republic is recognising the Shangani chieftainships. Recently Chief Gezani was installed, and today it’s Chief Mpapa. We are very happy,” added another.
The installation of Hanyani Zava as Chief Mpapa comes barely a few weeks after the installation of Benson Chauke as Chief Gezani in the Chiredzi district.
