Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
MATABELELAND NORTH – THE Second Republic has honoured its pledge to restore the Wonondo Chieftaincy in Matabeleland North Province, with Misheck Magalela Hlabangana being installed as substantive chief in a traditional ceremony held this Wednesday in Bubi District.
The event, marked by jubilation and reflection, brought closure to a chapter that began with the abolishment of the chieftaincy in 1944 by the Rhodesian colonial regime, after the then Chief Wonondo defied an eviction order designed to make way for white-owned farms.
Family spokesperson, Herald Sijeza Masuku, expressed deep gratitude to the Government for keeping its word.
“We are happy as a family. We remained consistent with the facts presented to government. Although the journey was long, today marks a day of great joy and honour.”
The restoration is part of a broader government initiative to revive historically abolished traditional leadership structures, thereby promoting cultural identity and ensuring inclusive traditional representation.
Traditional leader Chief Siansale, who was involved in the consultations, hailed the process as a victory for the institution of traditional leadership.
“This journey began in 2012. As a member of the Chiefs’ Council, I was part of the deliberations. We brought the matter into the Council in 2019, and today we are seeing the fruits of our labour,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, president of the National Chiefs’ Council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo reiterated the importance of collaboration within the traditional leadership hierarchy.
“No chief operates in isolation. It is essential that all appointed traditional leaders work in unison to serve the communities they represent,” he said.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North, Honourable Richard Moyo, confirmed that the government had endorsed Chief Hlabangana’s ascension following unanimous agreement by the Wonondo family.
“Chief Wonondo will preside over Wards 5, 6, 19 and 21, covering a population of approximately 11 000 people. This restoration reflects government’s commitment to restoring all legitimate, previously abolished chieftainships. The Wonondo Chieftaincy is one such testament.”
The Wonondo Chieftaincy traces its origins to the Induba area, with its founding leader, Lotshe Hlabangana, having served under the reign of King Lobengula.
With this development, Matabeleland North now boasts 42 substantive chieftainships, with five of them having seats in the National Chiefs’ Council, thereby reinforcing the constitutional role of traditional leaders in governance and rural development.
